Phil Thompson has leapt to the defence of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after being accused by Roy Keane of arrogance for his comments after Sunday's 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
Liverpool missed the opportunity to return to the top of the Premier League, as a result of the draw, after Arsenal's win over Brighton & Hove Albion saw them leapfrog the Reds to the summit. Aston Villa came from behind to beat Brentford in an ill-tempered affair in the capital to momentarily move second - but the point meant that Jurgen Klopp's side returned to second.
The Dutchman claimed that there was only one team looking to attack in the showdown between two of England's top clubs at Anfield, last weekend. Van Dijk was reportedly also involved in a back-and-forth with Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana in the tunnel, in light of the stalemate.
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Comments from the Reds defender sparked anger from former United captain Keane. The Irishman accused Van Dijk of arrogance after a frustrating post-match interview from the 32-year-old.
But Thompson, who enjoyed stints at Anfield on the pitch and in the dugout as an assistant manager, took aim at the reaction from Keane.
"I don't think he was arrogant, I think he was just giving his opinion as Roy and Gary gives their opinion," he said, speaking to talkSPORT.
"It wasn't arrogant by any means, I would say it was frustration, you've come off that game after dominating it - Man United have one chance with (Rasmus) Hojlund and you could see those frustrations.
"Arrogance wasn't in it and for Roy Keane to be talking about
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