SALVATION ARNE

There's hope in Van Dijk's heart as gritty Slot stars show off their bouncebackability

- BY SIMON CASS

VIRGIL VAN DIJK was impressed with the improvement Liverpool showed in four days.

But the Reds skipper knows it is the next four months which will decide whether their season is deemed a success or failure.

Given the 14-point gap leaders Arsenal hold over Liverpool in the Premier League table, even the most optimistic Reds fan would concede any chance of retaining the title is long gone.

But the hope remains, certainly with Van Dijk, that Liverpool can still add to their trophy cabinet this season.

Wednesday night's 3-0 win in Marseille means they can guarantee advancing straight to the last 16 of the Champions League with victory at Anfield against Qarabag next week.

A deep FA Cup run also remains a live possibility, even if a tricky tie at home to Brighton next month must be negotiated.

Their 13-match unbeaten run could certainly be viewed as deceiving, given it has contained six draws.