NewsVirgil van Dijk: Seven home league games to go - let's make them amazing

A 2-0 win on the road at Manchester City on Sunday evening strengthened the Reds’ lead in the division to 11 points, with second-placed Arsenal having a game in hand.

Arne Slot’s side’s next three top-flight matches – and seven of their remaining 11 – will be played on home turf, beginning with the visit of Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

And the captain sees that fact as a benefit if players and supporters in tandem continue to ensure Anfield is as difficult as possible for opponents.

“It’s pretty normal, [with] humans, there could be some anxious feelings kicking in, and that could still be the case, but I think it only helps us and them as well to make Anfield horrible for the opponent,” said Van Dijk.

“Most of the time we have been doing that, and obviously the way we play obviously helps with that as well. How many home games are left? Seven out of 11.

“So, let’s make sure those seven are going to be amazing, as loud as possible, and I don’t think we have to speak about it, because normally that is the case.”

A controlled, surgical performance was delivered by Liverpool at Etihad Stadium, punctuated with first-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.

• Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool: Watch highlights and full replay

The victory was the Reds’ first away at City in the top flight since late 2015 and also halted a run of four fixtures in all competitions without a clean sheet.

“Ten years to win here in the league, so it was about time,” said Van Dijk. “Good performance, I think a complete performance, really good attack at times, very good in defence as a team, so well deserved.

“‘Collective’, that’s very important. It’s not about only four players or the goalkeeper. It’s about everyone, putting a big shift in everything. I think that’s what happened. We had to defend with everything we [have] got at times, although we still have the quality.

“I think we showed a different side of football in the best way possible, in terms of defending, attacking at times, set-pieces, that’s what we need.”