Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk has urged his side to improve on their displays, following their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
In the battle of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the league this season at the Selhurst Park, the home side claimed maximum points as the Reds 100% record was halted.
It marked a first defeat of the campaign in all competitions, while their gap at the top of the standings could be reduced if second-placed Arsenal win their game away at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk revealed the need for calm and also stressed the importance of improvements, as they seek to successfully defend their league crown.
“[We’re] disappointed in our performance,” Van Dijk said after the game.
“Disappointed in the loss, but especially the way we went about it. I think if we got a draw here then we took already one point too much. That is the feeling that we have right now. “I don’t think there is any reason to worry, but we have to improve pretty quickly because obviously we play [against Galatasaray in the Champions League] in Turkey on Tuesday.
We have a very difficult game there as well, so we have to be ready.”
The Eagles defeated Liverpool on penalties in the FA Community Shield and took an early lead on Saturday through Ismaila Sarr.
Both sides missed chances to add to the scoreline, until Federico Chiesa scored in the closing stages of the game to make the scoreline 1-1.
Liverpool have had more goals in the final 10 minutes of their matches this season than any other teams and thought they had grabbed the equalizer, until Nketiah struck.
The former Arsenal man netted with few seconds left to grab a late winner for the home side and end Liverpool’s unbeaten run.
“There are loads of challenges throughout the whole season. Everyone has to deal with it in their own way, but obviously as a team we have to deal with it as well.
The biggest challenge now is to stay calm. I mentioned it many times: never get too high or too low. Just work and don’t listen to the outside world too much”, the Dutch defender added.
“You know when you can do better and today everyone knew that. We have another opportunity on Tuesday in a very interesting stadium, big crowd, Champions League, to turn it around again and focus on the next one and next one.”
Liverpool must regroup ahead of their next clash, a crucial UCL away at Turkish champions Galatasaray.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
