Virgil van Dijk has revealed the topic of his post-match discussion with Anthony Taylor after Liverpool’s last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday evening. The captain was seen questioning the referee following Estevao’s first Premier League goal, as the Brazilian wonderkid arrived at the back post to sink the champions in the 96th minute.
The loss marked the first time Liverpool have fallen to defeat in three consecutive games under new manager Arne Slot, with early-season teething problems finally surfacing as they surrendered their lead over Arsenal heading into the October international break. It was also the second time in a week that the Reds were denied a creditable draw in London by a stoppage-time goal, following Eddie Nketiah’s 97th-minute winner for Crystal Palace the weekend prior.
The lateness of Liverpool’s decisive moments has already been a talking point this season. In their first five games, all their victories came in the 83rd minute or later. Some might say the last two league defeats are a taste of their own medicine, but Van Dijk was far from pleased with how things unfolded.
Van Dijk Questioned Anthony Taylor Over Stoppage Time Allowance

As per Liverpool Echo, Van Dijk was seen speaking with Taylor at the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, and the defender explained afterwards that he was querying the amount of second half stoppage time played on Saturday evening. The 34-year-old said:
“I saw the celebrations [for Estevao’s winning goal], and rightly so. But I thought the celebrations went over two minutes, so I looked at the clock when he blew his whistle – it was 98. I was thinking: ‘How is that possible?’ I was just asking a very polite question at that point – I’m not angry or aggressive. I was just asking where the logic behind it is.”
“But that is not where the main focus should be,” the captain then added. “We should improve. That should be the main focus. We know even more than ever and the good thing is we have opportunities to do so when we come back.”

Liverpool now have just under two weeks to reflect before their next fixture, as they prepare to welcome Manchester United to Anfield, with the international break punctuating what has been a rollercoaster start to the season.
Onthegoal. Com Key Statistic: Liverpool are only three points worse off in the Premier League than they were at this stage last season, but have conceded seven more goals, highlighting an issue in defence.
The feeling is that Slot’s side will find their form eventually, but for now, the Dutchman is still unsure of his best lineup, and the new players are yet to fully settle into their surroundings after a summer in which the Reds’ hierarchy abandoned their previously prudent approach, spending over £400 million and overseeing the turnover of 15 players.
