SHOW NO MERSEY

Virgil: Reds must be ready for Everton

- SIMON BIRD

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has sent a title race warning to "sloppy" Liverpool stars ahead of the Merseyside derby tomorrow.

The Anfield skipper has called on Arne Slot's unbeaten side to go into battle mode for the trip to Goodison this weekend.

Liverpool were rattled by Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday night and went behind twice.

Mo Salah's goals clawed back a lead, which was wiped out by Fabian Schar's last-minute equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Slot and van Dijk both highlighted a lack of fight in the first half and strong words were exchanged during the break in the dressing room.

Van Dijk, who said there was "nothing" to update on his contract renewal talks, said: "It was a poor first half as a collective, with and without the ball.