Virgil van Dijk reiterated that Liverpool is taking the title race "step by step" after navigating a potentially tricky away game against Bournemouth over the weekend.
Bournemouth went into the game having not tasted defeat in the Premier League since November, but the Reds produced a professional performance on the South Coast to win 2-0, with Mohamed Salah netting a goal in each half. Van Dijk took to Instagram after the match, simply writing: "Step by step."
The Dutchman conveyed a similar message when he spoke to reporters in the mixed zone at the Vitality Stadium. "We need everyone to push each other," Van Dijk said. "We are still in all the competitions. The boys that came on today did well and that is what we need. That is the positive thing about the big squad. Everyone needs to feel a part of it.
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"Why should we look at the table? It is February 1st. Just focus on the games we have ahead. Big or close gap, we still just have to win our games. That is the only thing we have an influence on. Let’s see what it brings."
Bournemouth had already beaten Arsenal and Manchester City at home this season. Van Dijk, though, was insistent that Liverpool doing what those sides couldn't will only mean something if it carries on winning.
"Hopefully at the end of the season we can say that," Van Dijk said. "There are so many games to play now, different competitions and we need everyone. Now we have a couple of days off and we focus fully on turning the tie around against Spurs at home.
"It will be difficult but I am looking forward to it. Then we will see at the end if certain games are statement wins but there is no point putting a label on any game. Anything can happen."
