Virgil van Dijk spotted swapping shirts with Arsenal player in Anfield tunnel after Liverpool draw

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was spotted swapping shirts with an Arsenal player in the tunnel following their draw at Anfield.

Premier League leaders Arsenal failed to end their hoodoo away at Liverpool after being held to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

It had looked like the Gunners might secure a rare victory at Anfield when Gabriel Magalhaes headed them in front after just three minutes.

But the home side equalised through a brilliant goal from Mohamed Salah, his 16^th in all competitions this season.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said he was disappointed Liverpool only managed to secure a draw.

"Disappointed but it was a big fight, a great game to be involved in," said the Liverpool captain.

"Arsenal is a very good team, of course, but I think we had opportunities to win the game and unfortunately we didn't. It was intense for both sides I think and we move on.

"One more point than we started [with], so that's obviously a positive."

Later on, Van Dijk was spotted swapping shirts with Arsenal's goalscorer, Gabriel, in the tunnel at Anfield.

Things are set to be less friendly when the two teams meet again at the Emirates on January 7 in the third round of the FA Cup.

They are also due to face each other in the reverse fixture in the Premier League on February 4.

✨ Gabriel x Van Dijk swap shirts! 😁🤝 pic.twitter.com/6Y6h9ipTPw

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 25, 2023

When asked if he believes Arsenal will push Liverpool all the way for the title this season, Van Dijk added: "They're hoping for consistency as well and I think they've been doing it quite well since last year.

"We are doing it quite well this year and hopefully we can keep that going and let's see where we're at in February, March – that period – and then we can really push on hopefully."

Liverpool next face Burnley away from home on Boxing Day, while Arsenal host West Ham on December 28.