Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool to ‘enjoy the ride’ in the Premier League title race after a 1-1 draw with title rivals Manchester City at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister’s confident penalty earned Liverpool a draw as the Argentine stepped up to cancel out John Stones’ opener from the spot.
Manchester City had taken a first-half lead as Liverpool switched off from a set-piece, with Kevin De Bruyne’s low delivery turned in at the near post by Stones.
The equaliser arrived after Darwin Nunez was fouled in the box after beating Ederson to a loose ball and the Manchester City goalkeeper was substituted after injuring himself in the collision.
Mac Allister slammed home to bring Liverpool level, raising the atmosphere at Anfield to new decibels.
Liverpool were the better side after the break with the electric Luis Diaz guilty of missing the best opportunities of the half, though the Citizens twice hit the woodwork through Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.
Liverpool also saw a late penalty appeal turned down after Doku caught Mac Allister with a high foot inside the area.
A point apiece leaves the teams second and third in the Premier League title, with Arsenal having moved above Liverpool on goal difference on Saturday evening.
Just a point separates the top three and Van Dijk said Liverpool must ‘enjoy the ride’ after a ‘bittersweet’ result against the champions this weekend.
“Second half was obviously much better than 15-20 minutes in the first half. We should have closed the middle a bit better but we reacted well. We had very good chances, unfortunately we couldn’t get the winner but overall bittersweet,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“Based on the second half you feel we should have won it, but they hit the post as well. It was so close.
“Manchester City has been very successful with the titles they have won and every game we have played against each other have been very intense.
“Every game is so difficult, they have quality all over the pitch and that is why they won the Treble last year. I respect that but the aim for us today was to win the game.
“To come away with a point is not a bad situation and we have to focus on what’s next. We just have to enjoy the ride.”
