Jurgen Klopp called it a "fairy-tale" debut as Virgil van Dijk showed just why Liverpool were prepared to make him the world's most expensive defender this month.
The Netherlands international endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with a late header winner in the 2-1 victory over bitter Merseyside rivals Everton on Friday.
The FA Cup third round accounted for one high-profile managerial casualty. Mark Hughes was dismissed by Stoke City hours after a 2-1 defeat to League Two's Coventry City.
Stoke ended the match with six forwards on the field, but former Premier League mainstays Coventry held firm, with Jordan Willis a huge reason why. The centre-back opened the scoring and led a resolute rearguard action to inflict a humiliating defeat on Stoke and signal the end of Hughes' four and a half years in charge.
Nottingham Forest booked their place in the fourth round at the expense of holders Arsenal owing to an improbable double from defender Eric Lichaj. The USA international scored surely the goal of his career with a superb volley as Arsene Wenger's Premier League side succumbed to a 4-2 defeat.
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Read more:
- Richard Jolly: Liverpool should fill Coutinho-shaped hole collectively rather than with an individual
- Andy Mitten: Barcelona set to continue where they left off as they await Philippe Coutinho arrival
- January transfer window: Coutinho, Luiz, Mahrez and Barkley could be high-profile departures
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