Virgil van Dijk asks own question of Arne Slot as new Liverpool injury concerns emerge

Liverpool failed to go level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after a 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

After Andy Robertson and an own goal from Alphonse Areola had cancelled out Jarrod Bowen's header, it was left to Michail Antonio to equalise to leave the Reds needing a miracle for their title hopes.

But you knew all of that, course. What you might have missed were a series of intriguing subplots at the London Stadium on Saturday lunchtime....

READ MORE: Alan Shearer sides with Mohamed Salah after clash with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp lifts lid on Arne Slot as Liverpool set for appointment

Van Dijk asks his own Slot question

For once, Virgil van Dijk wasn't feeling especially talkative after a Liverpool game. The Reds captain has spent the majority of his six years on Merseyside regularly stopping to speak to the assembled media after matches, happy to give his time most weeks whether it has been a win, a loss or a draw.

On this particular occasion, however, Van Dijk opted to steer clear of further on-the-record analysis. After seeing a handful of Liverpool's players decline the opportunity to speak, most journalists might have felt they could bank on the club's skipper giving them a minute or two to pick through the bones of the draw. Not so.

"Not today guys, not today," said Van Dijk, before turning the tables somewhat. "You all only want to ask questions about Arne Slot anyway!" he added in jest, before walking away with a smile on his face.

Perhaps the entire squad had been instructed not to speak to the media given the questions would likely have centred around the fallout between Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp. Or maybe Van Dijk did not fancy a range of questions about the guy who is almost certain to be his next manager?

Whatever the reason, journalists know their luck is out when even the Dutch defender is politely saying no. Maybe next time, Virgil?

Elliott and Robertson concern

There was some concern on the injury front after the game for Liverpool as Robertson and Harvey Elliott both boarded the team bus in considerable discomfort.

First, Robertson walked through the exit gingerly, limping away from a handful of journalists who had asked him to stop and chat before Elliott followed on a few minutes later, moving even slower with his head bowed.

Both were able to walk without the aid of crutches or protective boots that are often given to players who have injured themselves during games but neither were moving freely and Elliott, in particular, looked despondent as he left the stadium.

Klopp will of course provide any additional updates on the pair if necessary but the hope is that both were just feeling the effects of another tough Premier League outing.

Klopp avoids viral moment

Klopp may now be in his mid-50s but he was still made to show he hasn't lost all of his agility midway through the second half.

With 63 minutes on the clock a wrestling match between Antonio and Jarell Quansah led to the West Ham forward being sent sprawling into Klopp's technical area on the touchline.

As a result, Klopp was forced to adeptly hop out of the way to avoid being taken out by the flying Hammers man, with the manager avoiding the sort of scene that would have probably ended up going viral. Smart footwork from the Reds boss.