COMMAND & CONQUER: REDALERT

Van Dijk warns that Arne's Army will fight for right to party

- JEREMY CROSS

VIRGIL VAN DIJK says Liverpool's players are ready to "go to war" in a bid to become the kings of English football again.

Liverpool put down a serious marker at Anfield on Sunday with a schooling of champions Manchester City.

The 2-0 scoreline flattered Pep Guardiola's men, who were sent packing from Merseyside looking humbled and humiliated.

The performance strengthened Liverpool's grip on the title race, and highlighted just how seamless boss Arne Slot's bid to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager has been.

Liverpool have won 18 of 20 games in all competitions this season.

Slot's men find themselves nine points clear at the top of the table, and 11 ahead of City.

Van Dijk insists the hard work has only just begun, but admits he and his teammates will do whatever it takes in the heat of battle to emerge victorious.