Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk recognises the huge significance of Sunday’s win at Manchester City — but is not joining fans chanting about a title win yet.
The Premier League leaders took a huge stride towards claiming the crown as they capitalised on Arsenal‘s defeat by West Ham on Saturday with a confident 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The triumph, sealed with goals from the irrepressible Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, lifted the Reds 11 points clear at the top of the table with 11 games to play.
After nervy performances against Everton, Wolves and Aston Villa, it was a strong statement win against the champions from the past four years.
The Gunners do still have a game in hand but Reds supporters chanting “we’re going to win the league” underlined their confidence after what felt like a decisive weekend.
Van Dijk said: “It was a big win but I think a couple of days ago there was noise about other things, and it could go the other way.
“Obviously, the result on Saturday and the result of this gives them (the fans) the belief.
“But it’s down to us to just keep focusing on the game ahead of us. That’s what we do and that’s what I’ve told the boys as well.
“It’s all about recovery now and being ready for Newcastle, which is a big test as well.”
City started well but Liverpool seized control in the 14th minute as Salah struck from a Szoboszlai pass after a well-worked corner routine.
The pair reversed roles as Salah teed up the Hungarian for the second after 37 minutes.
As much as Salah deserved the headlines for the 30th goal and 21st assist of his phenomenal season, Liverpool’s first league win at City since 2015 was as much about their defensive resilience.
‘Winning at the Etihad – about time!’
Centre-back Van Dijk said: “Ten years it took to win here in the league, so it was about time.
“It was a good performance, a complete performance. Good in attack at times, very good in defence as a team, so a well-deserved three points.
“We had to defend with everything that we’ve got at times because obviously they have the quality to hurt you, like we all know. We did that very well, so on to the next game.”
Liverpool host Champions League-chasing Newcastle, who they will also face in the Carabao Cup final next month, on Wednesday while Arsenal face a tough test at third-placed Nottingham Forest.
Van Dijk said: “I don’t look at others, as I’ve mentioned many times before. We shouldn’t. It’s all about what you do yourself.
“We don’t take our wins for granted. We go home, recover and (begin) the preparation for Newcastle. That’s the only thing we have to do, nothing else matters.”
