'We are in crisis now?' - Virgil van Dijk responds to Liverpool form as new question asked

Virgil van Dijk

Nobody said winning the Premier League was easy.

This season, though, is shaping up to be more old school regards the title race, with it unlikely that

This season, though, is shaping up to be more old school regards the title race, with it unlikely that, as has been the case during the recent period of Manchester City domination, a final points tally in excess of 90 was require

As Liverpool were coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at top-three challengers Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, City's 2-2 draw at Brentford means the champions can now only reach a maximum of 86 points

As Liverpool were coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at top-three challengers Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, City's 2-2 draw at Brentford means the champions can now only reach a maximum of 86 points

Indeed, with almost half the campaign still to play, only the Reds, Forest and Arsenal can still reach the 90-point mark, underlining the competitive nature of this season's Premier League.

While still in a strong position at the summit, Arne Slot's side have now won just three of their last seven games

And experienced skipper Virgil van Dijk had a firm response when informed of Liverpool's top-flight form

Van Dijk

"Oh, so are we in crisis now?"

"It only confirms that the Premier League is a tough league where you play against opponents that are very good.

“Forest was always going to be tough - same as Man Utd at home with a new manager and their gameplan. Every game is tough and we have to find a way to win.

"We should have won (against Forest), could have won, but the reality is we take the point at a difficult ground on a difficult evening.

“In terms of the toughness of the game, we had many chances and we could have won the game against a team that don't concede many chances.”

"Did we deserve to win? It doesn't work like that, you know. They worked their socks off and credit to them, that is what they have been doing so far.

“They have been very good and they made it very difficult for us as we expected.

"But I think we could have scored at least a couple. If we keep pushing and finding opportunities, I am very confident that we will score goals like we have been doing all season.

“If we play like the second half and finish off the chances, it will be fine. So we keep going."

Diogo Jota scored with his first touch to equalise Chris Wood's opener with Forest reliant on a series of saves from goalkeeper Matz Sels during a closing quarter in which Liverpool dominated

Van Dijk adds:

"It shows resilience. No-one wants to come from behind so we are working on that and we need everyone in the best shape to prevent it.

“The only thing we can do is try and do it better in the next game.

"I don't think anyone should not feel confident at the moment. We have been outstanding throughout the whole season with everything we have been doing.

“In games, sometimes things don't always go your way. That is part of life and part of being a football player.

"You can't be perfect all the time but the hard work we put in so far should give us the confidence to show who we are.

“That is how I see it and we try to ensure everyone is thinking like that. So far this season, it has been going well.

“A draw (at Forest) and a draw against United maybe doesn't feel great, but we have another opportunity on Saturday."