Virgil van Dijk fires stark warning to Liverpool team-mates ahead of 'intense' Arsenal test

Virgil van Dijk has warned Liverpool must improve to retain their Premier League title. Liverpool captain Van Dijk insists they are relishing Sunday’s title showdown with Arsenal after both contenders won their opening two games.

However, Van Dijk admitted the way Liverpool are conceding goals - they have let in four in their opening wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle - is a major cause for concern.

The Dutch defender says that must be a bigger worry for Liverpool than Arsenal’s £300million spending spree as the Gunners try to chase down and overtake the champions. Van Dijk said: “I look at it that we have to keep improving to retain the title. Many teams improved their squad but it is down to us personally to find the consistency and win games and nothing else matters.

“In the other years we were successful, we didn't look at the other teams. There is no point because all of the teams in the Premier League, in my opinion, are very good. I'm really looking forward to it.

"We're playing a fantastic team with a great manager, that has been challenging for the Premier League for many years now as well.

“The games we played against each other are very intense as well. We have a week now to prepare and we will recover now and then we have to be ready. The Premier League has no easy games so it doesn't really matter who you are going to face - it is always going to be difficult, especially when we're at the stage we're at right now where the transfer window is still open.

“Things could still happen in and out and after the international break, we have the team to go forward.”

Van Dijk pointed to improving at set pieces which was their downfall again at Newcastle. Despite the incredible spirit shown, he says improving defensively is what they must look at.

He added: “After you win a game, then it is maybe easier to give an answer. But I think we have to get back into it a little bit. I won't say the performance was bad because we played against a team that was very intense from the start until the end, and it is a difficult place to come.

"But there were so many good moments as well. And at this stage of the season, especially at the start, it is all about the points.

“We're doing pretty well. We don't want to concede goals and I think today we conceded two goals from set-pieces. Those two goals got Newcastle back in the game and gave them belief. That is something we have to keep working on, and we will.”

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