STANDARD DEVIATION

‘We've not reached the level we expect at times this season but we're working harder than ever to fix it’ SAYS VIRGIL VAN DIJK

- BY MICHAEL HAM

LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk says his side have fallen below their high standards this season - but are doing everything they can to put it right.

Arne Slot’s men have lost seven times in the Premier League this season, conceding 33 goals in 24 games.

To put that into context, during last season's run to the title where they finished 10 points clear, the Reds lost just four times and conceded 41 goals in their 38 games.

A horror run of 12 games between late September and late November saw Liverpool win just three times in all competitions. Two of the wins came in Europe.

But the Anfield side have lost just once in the 16 games since, and head into today’s game against title-chasing Manchester City on a high after beating Newcastle 4-1 last time out.

Defender Van Dijk is aware of what today’s match means for his side and said: "This is a fixture which needs no introduction and one we are all really looking forward to.