Van Dijk urges Liverpool to stay composed and emulate Arsenal

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk stated that the Premier League title holders need to strengthen their foundation from defence after delivering their finest display of the campaign to defeat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Before securing a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday, Liverpool had suffered defeats in six of their prior seven fixtures and endured 10 games without keeping a clean sheet.

Real Madrid visited Merseyside in excellent attacking shape, yet they were restricted to minimal chances, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ensuring no humiliating result for the 15-time European winners.

"It is straightforward to claim this now after two successive triumphs. Amid turmoil, one must remain composed and maintain a balanced view," Van Dijk remarked.

"Everyone understands footballs nature, it can transform rapidly."

Arsenal hold a seven-point advantage over Liverpool atop the Premier League standings and have triumphed in their first four Champions League encounters, bolstered by eight straight clean sheets.

Liverpool confront a major challenge to their championship retention on Sunday, as Van Dijk prepares to mark Manchester Citys Erling Haaland, who has netted 26 goals this season across club and international duties.

"Currently, Arsenal are soaring, largely due to solid defences and denying opponents opportunities," Van Dijk continued.

"Our squad possesses the skill to strike effectively on counter-attacks, but it begins with robust defending. Todays effort demonstrated the dedication.

"We must persist. Sundays clash will pose another tough test."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot emphasised the value of returning to Anfield for his teams recent improvement over the last week.

Among the Reds six losses this term, just two occurred on home soil, including one when Slot utilised a heavily rotated lineup versus Crystal Palace in the League Cup last week.

"Performing before these supporters aids greatly, especially hosting Real Madrid, as it seems to draw the utmost from my squad and the crowd," Slot noted.

"An impressive showing against a side that has tasted defeat only once this season. Perhaps we could have extended the margin slightly."

Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a frosty welcome upon re-entering Anfield as a late substitute for Madrid.

The England star was formerly adored by Liverpool fans after securing seven significant honours during his stint with his local team.

Conor Bradley has found it hard to secure his spot as Alexander-Arnolds replacement at right-back amid a patchy beginning to the term.

However, the Northern Ireland player excelled in neutralising Vinicius Juniors danger, while Van Dijk alongside Ibrahima Konate effectively contained the dangerous Kylian Mbappe.

"Pre-match, I mentioned they have tallied 26 goals in La Liga, with Mbappe and Vinicius combining for 24 goal involvements (goals plus assists)," Slot added.

"To claim victory here, you must ensure those two do not register on the scoresheet.

"Conor performed brilliantly. Facing Vinicius in numerous one-on-one duels is not everyones forte. He shone today."