In an absorbing and incident-packed encounter at Selhurst Park, it was Jürgen Klopp’s side who produced the game’s most decisive moments – a James Milner penalty in the first half and Sadio Mane’s breakaway goal in stoppage-time.
But the visitors had to weather consistent pressure from the Eagles on the night, with Van Dijk and Joe Gomez a resolute central defensive wall to deny Roy Hodgson’s team.
So it is no surprise the Dutchman was delighted immediately after the final whistle.
“It was very important to win here. We know how difficult it is to come here, so to win and keep a clean sheet as well, I’m a very happy man,” the No.