Skipper Virgil van Dijk scored the winner against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as the Reds moved closer to the top five
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk says the win over Sunderland is huge in their push for Champions League qualification(Image: PA)
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Steven Gerrard has echoed Virgil van Dijk's view that Liverpool's 1-0 win at Sunderland was huge in their push for a Champions League spot, while stressing there is still plenty of room for improvement. The Reds returned to winning ways at the Stadium of Light after last Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
Sitting sixth on 42 points, every slip-up now feels costly in their pursuit of European football. But Van Dijk's decisive header lifted Liverpool above Brentford, who face leaders Arsenal on Thursday night.
Liverpool are now just two points off Chelsea, who occupy fifth place - a position that currently looks enough for Champions League qualification. Speaking to TNT Sports at full-time, the Dutch captain said: "Can't deny that [the win] feels very big, but there are still 12 more games to go so we’ve got to keep improving, trying to find consistency.
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"We have to try and keep building, try and stay fit and stay confident and keep improving. Today was a great step forward with and without the ball so now we recover."
Gerrard, who was on punditry duty, agreed with Van Dijk, remarking the key step in the right direction. "A big night," he said.
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"They are chasing the Champions League places. It’s so important for them. They came here tonight under pressure and thoroughly deserved the win.
"They won it from a set piece. A great header from van Dijk – he steps forward again.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk scored the winner at Sunderland(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
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"Huge for Liverpool. I think to a man, defensively they were much improved."
The result also marked the Reds' first clean sheet since their goalless draw at Arsenal at the start of January. In the four Premier League games that followed, Arne Slot's side conceded five goals.
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