Van Dijk admits Liverpool were 'poor in all aspects' in 3-3 draw at Newcastle

Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to not get carried away with being the runaway Premier League leaders – and said they were ‘poor in all aspects’ in their 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday night.

The Reds are seven points clear ahead of Saturday’s crunch Merseyside Derby clash at Goodison Park, where they lost last season in a chastening defeat which all but signalled the end of their title pursuit.

And captain Van Dijk said Liverpool failed to do the basics at St James’ Park and must improve for the trip across Stanley Park. ‘It was a poor first half as a collective, with and without the ball,’ said the Dutchman.

‘In the second half we showed what we are capable of, obviously starting with winning our battles, 50-50 challenges, definitely better on the ball, scoring our goals but unfortunately couldn't get it over the line (to win).’

Asked what was lacking, he added: ‘Challenges. We know when we play there Newcastle have an extra... I don't know what happens to them but the fans feed them, they win their challenges, the fans feed off that as well.

‘We were not good enough, not good at all. Then they create momentum, we don't, we lose the ball too easily at times, sloppy in possession and they make momentum. We had 50 minutes to put it right, which we did but unfortunately we couldn't get it over the line.

‘I had a few things to say (at half-time), others did as well. You can talk about tactics but it begins with winning battles, winning duels, winning 50-50 challenges and second balls, putting them under pressure and in the second half we showed that.’

Van Dijk, like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is out of contract in the summer and gave a straight-batted reply when quizzed about reports of a new deal on the table. ‘Nothing,’ he said, when asked if there were any updates.

The defender added that Liverpool will have ups and downs this year and must ride the storms that come their way in the title race. Asked about that loss at Everton in April and whether it ended last season’s title hopes, he said: ‘Who said that?! Wow.

‘They can chat whatever they want. That game was very disappointing in so many ways but Saturday is another opportunity. It's a game where they will definitely be up for it but so will we. I'm really looking forward to it but we all know we have to improve.

‘I knew already we are going to have ups and downs this year, this is not a real down even if it feels like it at this point. We will be recovering and become fresh and ready to attack the next challenge.’