'It was the basics!' - Virgil van Dijk slams Liverpool team-mates for Crystal Palace loss but thanks 'best goalkeeper in the world' Alisson for keeping score down

Van Dijk expressed his concern over Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday as the Reds captain believes the team need quick fixes after their first defeat of the season. Federico Chiesa had equalised for the champions just three minutes before the end of regulation time, but Eddie Nketiah's later winner sealed crucial points for the hosts.  

Speaking to reporters after the match, the Dutch defender said: "I’m disappointed in the loss, but especially the way we went about it. I don’t think there is any need to worry but we have to improve quickly. It was the basics that we didn’t do very well. Hopefully, this is the only day this season we do that. They are very difficult to break down. Very disciplined, they defend deep and they don’t mind that. They have the quality on the break to hurt you. But it all started with ourselves. We were sloppy, and we were lucky that we have the best goalkeeper in the world to save us." 

The Liverpool skipper further added: "If you look at the first half, everybody has to improve. Everyone deals with it in their own way, but as a team, we have to deal with it as well. The biggest challenge now is to stay calm. We know when we can do better and everyone knew that." 

Arne Slot's men need to work on their shortcomings quickly as they have a tough schedule to tackle in the coming week. Their action starts with a Champions League clash in Turkey against Galatasaray on Tuesday, before they make their trip to Stamford Bridge during the weekend to take on Chelsea in a key Premier League fixture on October 4.