Reaction'Massive' - Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk react to Liverpool's Merseyside derby win
Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk were left delighted after Liverpool secured a crucial three points from Wednesday night's Merseyside derby.
Jota's second-half goal against Everton at Anfield restored the Reds' 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League with eight fixtures now remaining in the season.
A tense affair between the city rivals was unlocked by the No.20's weaving run and composed finish in front of the Kop after 57 minutes.
Following the 1-0 victory, the match-winner and his captain spoke to Sky Sports – read on to see what they had to say…
On how important the win was...
Jota: Massive, of course, not only because it's a derby but because after this international break we have this run-in of nine games and it was really important to start with three points. Hopefully that gives us momentum for the rest of the season.
On the game itself...
Van Dijk: You play against Everton and they make it very difficult for you. Obviously we've seen the games that we've played with each other over the last couple of years, it's always been tough. They have a certain way of playing that you have to be ready for in all aspects. The first half obviously wasn't our greatest. Jots made a fantastic goal, [we] kept a clean sheet overall and [got] three points, so we move on.
On how much he enjoyed his goal...
Jota: I always believe in myself. I always believe that the chances will come and I need to be there to take them. Hopefully this game starts a good run for me that could be helpful for the team. Like I said, the three points was really the most important [thing] today.
On hunting down the Premier League title...
Jota: The only way is to keep winning games. Like I said, it was really important to start well today in this run-in and give this team confidence to keep on going.
On handling the pressure of the run-in...
Van Dijk: I think everyone wants to be in our position and we worked so hard to be in our position. Now we have to keep going, keep the same focus, keep the same mentality as we have been doing the whole season. The season so far has been outstanding and we just have to keep going. We have a tough one again in London on Sunday that we have to be ready for and that will be the focus right now.
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