Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has sent a warning to his Liverpool team-mates after their 3-3 draw at Newcastle
Virgil van Dijk has sent a title race warning to "sloppy" Liverpool stars ahead of the Merseyside derby.
The Anfield skipper has called on Arne Slot ’s unbeaten side to go into battle mode for the trip to Goodison Park and show some aggression.
Liverpool were rattled by high-tempo Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday night and went behind twice. Mo Salah ’s goals clawed back a lead, which was wiped out by Fabian Schar’s last minute equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Slot and Van Dijk have both highlighted a lack of fight in the first half which saw Newcastle lead, and strong words were exchanged at half time in the Liverpool dressing room.
Mo Salah message speaks volumes as Liverpool told they must keep out-of-contract star
[
Jamie Carragher offers honest Darwin Nunez verdict - 'No one says that about a good player'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-darwin-nunez-jamie-carragher-34253717)
Van Dijk says the title race will have ups and downs and far from over - and reckons they have to get back to basics of "winning battles, winning duels, winning 50/50 challenges" to prevent any slip ups.
The Dutch defender, who said there was “nothing” to update on his contract renewal talks, added: "It was a poor first half as a collective, with and without the ball, second half I think we showed what we're capable of. We started winning our battles and 50-50 challenges and obviously scored the goals but unfortunately we couldn't get over the line.
"What was lacking? Challenges. You know when you play here they have an extra edge to their game, their fans feed them, they win their challenges and we were not good at that at all and Newcastle created momentum. At times we were sloppy in possession but we had 50 minutes to put it right and we did but unfortunately didn't get over the line.
Liverpool players look dejected
The league leaders twice went behind before conceding against the Magpies in the last minute
(
Image:
PA)
"At half-time I had a few things to say and others as well. You can talk about tactics but it was about winning battles and duels and second ball fights and putting them under pressure. We did that in the second half but it wasn't enough to win the game."
Everton, fresh from a 4-0 victory against Wolves, will look to repeat their feat of last season when they won, and effectively ended Liverpool’s title challenge. When that was put to Van Dijk had a message for the blue half of the city: "Who said that? The Everton fans can chant whatever they want!
“That game was very disappointing in so many ways but Saturday is another opportunity. It's a game they will definitely be up for and we will be as well. I'm really looking forward to going there with our fans and hopefully we get the three points and move on.
"I knew already that we were going to have ups and downs throughout the whole season. This is not a real down, but it feels a bit disappointing. We go home now and tomorrow we'll be back fresh and ready to attack the next challenge."
Van Dijk defended goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after his late mistake
(
Image:
Getty Images)
So the title race is still very much alive, even with a seven point lead? "You have to maybe say it to all the people who are speaking about the gap we have created,” Van Dijk said. Salah scored twice and got an assist for Curtis Jones’ goal, and Van Dijk said: “I want him to be important like he was for us again in the second half and Saturday is another big one so he can keep going.”
And there was a message for keeper Caoimhin Kelleher for his last gasp error before the Toon goal. "These things unfortunately happen in football and he has to keep going.
"Don't listen to the reaction of people, they will be very harsh on him in my opinion. There will always be people out there ... but he's had an outstanding season so far he has to keep going and we need him ready and fully focused again to be out on the pitch in how many hours is it now?
"He'll learn from this like we all have to learn from the first half especially to be ready for a very, very big one on Saturday which is going to be very tough."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package £46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.