"It's too early to even make it important" - Van Dijk makes title race comment after Liverpool's comeback win over Brighton

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has suggested that it’s too early to say that the Reds are in the Premier League title race. The Dutchman’s assertion comes in the wake of Liverpool’s 2-1 comeback win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday, October 2. Arne Slot’s side avoided a second home defeat of the season thanks to a strong second-half performance.

Ferdi Kadioglu gave the Seagulls the lead in the 14th minute. However, the Reds equaled the scores in the 69th minute through Cody Gakpo. Mohammed Salah scored the winner three minutes later, finishing off a swift counterattack to seal all three points for the Merseyside club.

The win saw Liverpool return to the table's summit following Arsenal and Manchester City’s loss to Newcastle United and Bournemouth respectively. However, Van Dijk refused to get too excited with the turn of events. He said (via Mirror):

"It's too early to even make it important. We want to be on top of the league but we want to be there after the last match in May. The results have been good so far this season but there is a long way to go."

Slot’s side have been in top form this season. Aside from a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September and a 2-2 draw with Arsenal last week, the Reds have won the rest of their eight league games. They are now two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City and have seven points more than Arsenal who are fourth in the standings.

The Reds next face Aston Villa at home in the league on Saturday, November 9 before the international break. Before that, they will face Bayer Leverkusen at home in the UEFA Champions League on November 5.

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Virgil Van Dijk reacts to Ibrahima Konate’s injury in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton

The Liverpool skipper also shared his thoughts on his centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate who was forced out of the Brighton clash with an apparent injury.

The Frenchman went down in pain after a challenge during a corner just before halftime. He left the pitch with a makeshift sling and was replaced by Joe Gomez at the break.

About Konate’s injury, Van Dijk said:

"So many bodies around the ball and I think I headed him on his arm. Hopefully it is not too bad. We just have to see. You can be quite okay as player with an arm injury so hopefully he will be fine."

Liverpool will be hoping the injury to the 25-year-old is not severe as he has been a key player under Slot’s setup. Konate has featured in nine league games for the side this term, contributing one goal and an assist.