Virgil van Dijk sums up Liverpool stance on Enzo Maresca's title claim after Crystal Palace win

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk asserted that after victory over Crystal Palace - despite manager Enzo Maresca ruling them out of the Premier League title picture.

The hard-fought 1-0 win meant that the Merseysiders will go into the international break at the summit of the table after seven games played. A goal in the ninth minute was enough to separate the two sides at Selhurst Park as the visitors kept another clean sheet to take all three points.

That was the fifth time already this campaign that have not conceded, with their record of just two goals conceded currently the best in the division. Despite six victories from seven in the league during the early stages of the Slot era at Anfield, not everyone has been convinced of the team's title credentials of yet.

Among those not expecting Liverpool to challenge this season is Chelsea boss Maresca, who said before the weekend: "I really don’t think we can compete with City or . I really don’t think that because we are not ready. The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal five years. If you want to compete for big things you need that time."

However, it appears that Reds skipper Van Dijk is not shying away from setting expectations at this early point in the campaign after such a bright start to the term. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "I think there is always expectations towards different teams - whatever the outside world thinks of us we don't really care. We want to try challenge, compete, win and be successful."

Revealing his mentality amid the team's defensive solidity, he said: "We keep going and we keep working. We are never satisfied. We needed Alli [Alisson] twice, but that is what we try to avoid. Everyone is contributing to clean sheets.

The Dutchman was particularly pleased with the professional approach his teammates demonstrated to earn the victory in South London. Holding onto a slender lead after going ahead within the first ten minutes, he said:: "It is hard to come here. The results over the years are tight and close.

"I think obviously we scored a fantastic goal," he continued, before touching on areas where the Reds can still improve. "We could have done better in the second half, but we knew they'd come out with a bit of pressure on the ball. It ends our run on a high before the internationals."

A host of Liverpool's players will now join up with their respective international squads following this latest victory - with a clash against Chelsea to come on their return. From there, the Merseysiders will head to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the .