Back to the Aston Villa Newsfeed

'Everyone has to take responsibility': Virgil van Dijk slams champions' drop in standards during 7-2 mauling by Aston Villa as Dutchman issues rallying cry for immediate improvement ahead of Merseyside Derby against in-form Everton

Virgil van Dijk never stopped trying to roar a sleeping Liverpool into life as they were battered 7-2 by Aston Villa, and has urged his fellow Reds to burden the blame.

Jurgen Klopp's men were overrun by the pre-season relegation candidates, going in 4-1 at half-time after allowing a first-half Ollie Watkins hat-trick.

The Champions but quickly regather for a clash with bitter rivals and league leaders Everton on Saturday - with Carlo Ancelotti's side boasting a 100 per cent record after four games.

Virgil van Dijk was as stunned as those viewing as Aston Villa demolished Liverpool 7-2

Virgil van Dijk was as stunned as those viewing as Aston Villa demolished Liverpool 7-2

Jack Grealish and Co ran riot as the champions completely collapsed in defence and midfield
Jurgen Klopp was even seen laughing in disbelief on the touch-line as the later goals went in

'If we are looking at ourselves, it felt like it was one of those performances where we just weren't 100 per cent at it from the start until the finish,' Van Dijk told SkySports.