The biggest challenge now? To stay CALM

'ALARMINGLY BELOW PAR - BUT VAN DIJK WARNS AGAINST OVER-REACTION

- By IAN DOYLE

VIRGIL van Dijk is adamant there is no reason for Liverpool to worry despite the 100% start to their Premier League title defence being destroyed by a miserable performance at Crystal Palace.

The Reds slumped to a deserved 2-1 loss at the unbeaten Londoners on Saturday afternoon after posting an alarmingly below-par display, particularly during a one-sided first half in which Palace merited more than Ismaila Sarr's early opener. Substitute Federico Chiesa had appeared to earn Arne Slot’s side an unlikely point with an 87th-minute equaliser before Palace sub Eddie Nketiah struck the winner deep into additional time.

Liverpool have yet to consistently hit the heights this season as a raft of summer signings continue to adjust in a new-look team that has been reliant on several late goals to earn points.

And after only a fifth Premier League defeat in 44 games under Slot, Reds skipper Van Dijk has warned against overreacting as a testing week on the road continues with a Champions League clash at Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.