Virgil van Dijk believes the feel-good factor is returning to Anfield after Liverpool booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night. The Reds beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, setting up a last-eight tie with Andoni Iraola's former club Bournemouth at home in mid-December.
It is the Reds' fifth successive win across all competitions and their third at home, following triumphs against Villarreal in the Champions League and Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Van Dijk on the Anfield atmosphere
Reds captain Van Dijk says the match-going support is playing its part in helping an in-form Liverpool side progress, as he talked up the importance of the Anfield atmosphere ahead of Sunday's visit from champions Arsenal.
"It's a night like this and obviously the other night [against Villarreal]," Van Dijk said. "I think the fans definitely like what they're seeing and, of course, you feel that energy and it's great."
"I've been feeling that energy for quite a while and when you then miss it a little bit then to get it back is obviously very good. Results help, massively. We understand it as well."
Win over Chelsea sealed on penalties
After Cody Gakpo's penalty had cancelled out Morgan Rogers' spot kick in the first half, it was Iraola who bested his friend Xabi Alonso with a 6-5 victory on penalties. Joe Gomez struck the decisive penalty for the hosts before Wesley Fofana missed from 12 yards.
Van Dijk paid tribute to his defensive colleague and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who saved from Emmanuel Emegha. "Joe's [penalty] is amazing. I was so happy for him. But yeah, I think Giorgi was very important too, again," Van Dijk added.
"It's a great night for all of us, we got through, and now it's Bournemouth at home, so let's go."
Shove incident explained
Van Dijk was shoved to the ground off the ball by substitute Emegha in the second period in an incident that saw the Chelsea striker avoid censure by referee Darren England. Asked about the shove, Van Dijk said: "Ask him. I don't know."
"Maybe he's trying to get into the national team as well and trying this way. I don't know. You have to ask him. When he comes by, just ask him."
