If we win five games we’re going to be champions – Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk

A 12-point lead over Arsenal means five victories will likely be enough for a second title in five years as their rivals would have to win all nine remaining games while also overhauling a goal difference deficit of 13.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is targeting five wins to secure the Premier League title (Adam Davy/PA)

Virgil van Dijk has boiled down Liverpool’s season to five more wins and warned his team-mates they have to be prepared to suffer in the quest for another Premier League title.

Defeat in the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle followed a Champions League exit to Paris St Germain five days earlier and for the first time since Arne Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer, cracks are starting to appear.