Gerrard Arokodare Van Dijk duel verdict sees Liverpool legend dismiss foul claims after Wolves’ dramatic 2-1 win at Molineux

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has defended Tolu Arokodare, insisting the striker fairly beat Virgil van Dijk in the physical duel that led to Wolves’ decisive goal in a dramatic 2–1 victory at Molineux.

Also read: Arsenal Edge Brighton in Crucial Premier League Win

The defeat ended Liverpool’s four-match winning streak and reignited debate over whether a foul should have been awarded in the build-up to Wolves’ opener.

The Gerrard Arokodare Van Dijk duel became the defining moment of the contest in the 78th minute.

Defender Jackson Tchatchoua launched a long ball forward, and Arokodare, introduced from the bench in the 60th minute, rose to challenge Van Dijk.

The Nigerian forward held off both Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate before laying the ball into the path of Rodrigo Gomes.

Gomes advanced and chipped goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Wolves the lead.

Some Liverpool players appealed for a foul, but the referee waved play on.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing by Arokodare.

“I don’t think it’s a foul. He has got to be a lot stronger in that situation,” Gerrard said.

“You’re up against a big, strong sub who’s come off the bench. He’s the focal point. You know he’s going to try and dominate you physically. You’ve got to be ready for that.”

Gerrard also questioned Konate’s positioning and tackling decision, suggesting the defender could have offered better cover.

Van Dijk later acknowledged the referee’s decision, despite expressing frustration.

“There’s been a lot of speculation over fouls being given and not given. The ref didn’t give it. That’s the reality, and we have to deal with that,” the Dutch captain said.

The result marked a historic setback. It was the first time a team in the relegation zone had scored a stoppage-time winner against the reigning Premier League champions.

For Arokodare, the moment capped another influential cameo in what has been an encouraging debut season in England.

The striker joined Wolves from Belgian side KRC Genk for €26 million on a contract running until 2029.

The Super Eagles forward, who recently admitted that adapting to the Premier League has been tougher than expected, has now registered two goals and one assist in 26 league appearances.

Also read: Arsenal Edge Brighton in Crucial Premier League Win

The Gerrard Arokodare Van Dijk duel will likely remain a talking point, but for Wolves, the outcome delivered a vital and emphatic boost in their fight for survival.