ReactionVirgil van Dijk: We'll take the three points to end an intense run on a high

The Reds have ended an intense run of seven games in 22 days on top of the Premier League, having also made winning starts in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Diogo Jota's ninth-minute goal at Selhurst Park was enough to seal the three points for Arne Slot's side.

• Read our match report from Selhurst Park here

Speaking to TNT immediately after the final whistle, Van Dijk said: "I think it's always hard to come here. Obviously the results over the years have all been very tight and close.

"I think we scored a fantastic goal, in my opinion, well played obviously [with] Cody [Gakpo], Kostas [Tsimikas], [a] great finish from Diogo.

"I think we could have done maybe a little bit better. [In the] second half, we know they're coming out with a little bit more pressure on the ball and I think we have to play a little bit more than we did.

"Overall, obviously we'll take the three points and [we end an] intense run before the international break on a high. Now we go to the internationals."

Liverpool defended resolutely to hold on to the victory, particularly after losing goalkeeper Alisson Becker due to injury late in the second half.

The Reds possess the best defensive record in the league following seven matches, having conceded on just two occasions.

"Obviously we keep going, we keep working and we're never satisfied," the captain continued. "We always can improve.

"I think today we needed Ali twice, three times maybe, and that's what we're trying to avoid. But if we have to defend, we have to defend with everything that we've got.

"Everyone is contributing to clean sheets but I'm very happy with a clean sheet as well."

After such a strong start to the campaign, Van Dijk is refusing to look too far ahead and will continue to block out any external noise.

He finished: "Listen, I think there's always expectations towards different teams. Whatever the outside world thinks of us, we don't really care.

"We want to improve, we want to challenge, we want to compete until the final day and win and be successful. That's what we're focusing on – not what other expectations are. We've got a lot of points until now but we want to have a lot more.

"We know how tough the fixture list will be after the international break but why not enjoy it? I'm really looking forward to that and hopefully everyone involved with Liverpool as well."