SEALED WITH A KISS

Even Van Dijk couldn't resist a smacker on the badge after a season of strife at Anfield

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AS if it were needed, Virgil van Dijk gave the Kop an old-fashioned reminder of his love for the club.

He has always seemed too cool to be a badge-kisser but that is what the captain was undoubtedly doing after his header provided early confirmation of an incoming Liverpool win.

This troubled title defence has hurt Van Dijk, make no mistake. He has been the player who has had to field the criticism. He has been the voice of a dressing-room under scrutiny.

His own performances have not been immune to negative inspection, Wayne Rooney the most prominent pundit to suggest the centre-half had not been at his imperious best.

And Rooney's remarks were not baseless. No Liverpool player apart, maybe, from Dominik Szoboszlai - has been exemplary this season.

Even here, Van Dijk was not flawless, blindsided by Tomas Soucek for the goal that gave West Ham a hint of optimism early in the second half.

But Van Dijk's third goal in the last six Premier League games was crucial in ensuring Liverpool kept up momentum in the battle for Champions League spots.