Van Dijk on Man City's "uncomfortable" predicament following Liverpool's failure

Virgil van Dijk insists Manchester City will find it "uncomfortable" being the hunted at the top of the Premier League.

The Liverpool centre-half is playing a crucial role as the Reds attempt to chase down the champions, who are aiming for a fourth title in five seasons.

City and the Reds have been the two stand out teams in recent years with their titanic battle in 2018/19 among the finest in English history.

On that occasion it was Liverpool who were in the ascendancy for much of the season, only to be pipped by a point in the end.

City's relentless run saw them win 14 on the bounce but they are now trying to hold off Jurgen Klopp's team.

A draw against Southampton in January coupled with their defeat to Tottenham means the gap has been cut at the top and Van Dijk knows exactly how difficult it can be to deal with.

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"A couple of years ago, we were in the hotseat where we were a few points in front and it was tough and we gave it away," the Dutchman told the Daily Mail.

"It is not a very comfortable place to be. It is not easy to deal with the pressure but City have proven they can because they are unbelievable.

"If someone doesn't believe in the title race any more, then don't come and support us because you have to have belief that we can win games and turn this around. There are still so many games to play.

"We are on a good level at the moment. There are always things to improve but the consistency we are showing is important and key to being able to compete against City."

Pep Guardiola's side secured a late win on Merseyside on Saturday night as they saw off Everton.

Phil Foden's goal in the final 10 minutes allowed City to open up a six point gap at the top once more, albeit they have played a game extra.

Liverpool's involvement in the Carabao Cup final allowed the Manchester club to steal a march.

Guardiola is fully aware of the threat posed by the Reds, recently labelling them a "pain in the ass" as he also declared them their rivals for the Champions League.

He said on their biggest competition recently: "Liverpool. They are six points behind us, Liverpool are the bigger rivals in the past seasons, always there.

"They are a pain in the ass all the time. They are a fantastic team in Europe."

He also added: "When you are the favourite, they don't assure you in April or May. In a long competition like the Premier League, when you win it you are the best."