Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: The aim now is to follow on with another good performance

After returning from Milan with a 1-0 win over Internazionale in the Champions League, the Reds switched their focus back to Premier League matters for the visit of the Seagulls to Anfield.

Re-establishing consistency is now the aim for Van Dijk and teammates, as the captain explains in his column in the matchday programme.

"At this time of year the games come thick and fast, which provides both challenges and opportunities," the No.4 writes.

"And, make no mistake, we know how important today's fixture is as we look to create some momentum in our season.

"Of course we were disappointed with the way in which the Leeds game finished last weekend.

"We felt we had the game under control, so to surrender the lead as we did – twice – was extremely frustrating. We made mistakes and we were punished.

"That has happened too often this season, of course, but I have to say, I thought the boys showed great character to regroup and go again only three days later.

"The win over Inter Milan was both an important one and, in my opinion, a well-deserved one too.

"We know the pedigree that team has, reaching two of the last three Champions League finals, so to beat them in their own stadium, and to keep them as quiet as we did in an attacking sense, is extremely pleasing.

"To win any game in the Champions League, particularly away from home, you need to be able to deal with pressure.

"You have to defend as a team, concentrate for 90+ minutes and have the courage and confidence to play your own football as well.

"I thought we showed all of those qualities on the night, and in the end we got our reward with Dom [Szoboszlai]'s late penalty.

"After the disappointment of Elland Road, that was a very satisfying ending at San Siro. It was great to walk out onto the pitch for some media duties, well after the final whistle, and to hear you guys singing and chanting from the away end.

"Your support is never taken for granted, I can assure you, and as a team we love to be able to give you nights like that, in one of the truly great football venues.

"The aim now, of course, is to follow on from Milan with another good performance this afternoon against a strong Brighton side.

"It has been a few weeks since we last won at Anfield, and that is something we are desperate to put right today.

"The best teams are the consistent ones, the ones who deliver both home and away, and that is where we need to get back to.

"I know we can do that. It hasn't been perfect, by any means, but I believe we have taken some positive steps in recent games.

"Hopefully, with you guys behind us all the way, we can take another big one today."

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