Liverpool started well against Tottenham on Thursday, getting themselves the first-half goal they were always going to need.
Having fallen to a 1-0 defeat at Spurs back in January, the Reds needed a fast start to get themselves level.
Inevitably, with Anfield right up for it, Liverpool began the game in quick fashion. However, for the early part, Spurs matched them.
One man who was always going to be up for the fight on Merseyside was former Everton man Richarlison.
The Brazilian has played the pantomime villain many a time during his career in England. And he was at it again during Thursday’s tie.
Richarlison appeared desperate to get into it with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. And after a couple of clashes between the pair, journalist Lewis Steele spotted Van Dijk getting his own back.
Virgil van Dijk mugs off Richarlison
There was a flashpoint just moments into the game when Van Dijk appeared to catch Richarlison on the chin with an elbow.
Despite the protestations of Ally McCoist on commentary for ITV, it was never going to be a red card for the Liverpool centre-back.
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Nevertheless, that wasn’t going to stop Richarlison trying his best to get Van Dijk into trouble.
But Virgil has been around long enough to know when someone is gaming him. And having seen the referee wave away Richarlison’s claims, the big man made sure to leave one on his opponent at the nearest opportunity.
And having brought the Brazil international down, Steele spotted Van Dijk engaging in some ‘playground’ tactics off the ball.
“Virgil van Dijk just offered a hand to Richarlison to help him up off the floor,” says the journalist on X.
“Richarlison reaches towards it but Van Dijk pulls it away. Not seen that one since the primary school playground.”
Anfield gets last laugh on Richarlison
Not long after Richarlison was mugged off by Van Dijk, his night took another turn. Having barely returned from injury, the 27-year-old sat down and punched the Anfield turf in anger. His evening was over.
Again, Steele noted the reaction as Richarlison headed down the tunnel, and it’s safe to say the Anfield crowd enjoyed his misfortune.
“Liverpool fans laughing at Richarlison who is clearly in some discomfort after pulling up injured,” said the reporter.
“Former Everton man is being replaced by new signing Mathys Tel.”
A bad evening for Richarlison, but that’s what happens when you go against the best.