Seven points clear in the Premier League title race, Liverpool could certainly be in a worse position. But that didn't prevent the immediate frustration at conceding a late equalizer against Everton for Virgil van Dijk and co.

James Tarkowski smashed home a superb goal to make it 2-2 deep into stoppage time at Goodison Park, sending the home supporters crazy. Liverpool felt there were a couple of things that referee Michael Oliver could have done to manage the game better, but Van Dijk has promised that his team will quickly move on and focus on what comes next.

"I think it was already over time, that was my view, and in my opinion, it was a foul on Ibou [Konate]," Van Dijk told reporters at Goodison Park. "During the game [Oliver] gave numerous times these kind of fouls but in the end It was an outstanding finish, and then you have to deal with that.

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"I think the ref, and I told the ref, he didn't have it under the control we wanted. I think some of the moments during the game, some fouls were easily given and some weren't, and in the end these moments are decisive.

"For Doucoure to provoke the fans triggers and that is absolutely normal. For Curtis [Jones] to get a red, and everyone is jumping on it, in that case is a normal thing, but I tried to stay calmer and get everyone away because I know how much we need everyone on Sunday.

"When the ref gives the manager and assistant coach a red as well that's a bit strange. But it is what it is. We have to deal with that as well, and we will deal with it.

"I think it is better to just get over it as soon as possible and be ready for Sunday and put full focus on what we are facing next. Today is obviously very difficult to just put it aside because it is still so fresh and you are still thinking about it a lot and what you could have done better and differently. But from tomorrow, we have to move on."

The ill feeling sparked by Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrating in front of the away end saw four men — Doucoure, Jones, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff — sent off. Now feelings have calmed, the bigger picture will take precedence.

Liverpool has Wolves at the weekend, by which time Arsenal will have played — and likely beaten — Leicester City. The Gunners could move within four points of top spot but the Reds will play Aston Villa on Wednesday, at which point they will have played a game more, a situation which will remain for around a month because of the Carabao Cup final.

"I think conceding a goal in the last seconds of a game, or even after added time of a game, is very difficult," Van Dijk said. "Obviously scoring is very nice but to concede in extra over time — and the way we conceded — is a disappointing thing.

"That hurt and should hurt for each one of us but it is the reality. You have two things you can do: you can dwell on it and stay angry about it, or you can take it on board, start the recovery and be ready for Wolves. That will be a difficult test again and I think that's the best thing to do.

"We all know we could have played better but you play against a team who we all know this is their game of the season and we've seen it over the years. Coming here is always difficult and the way they play, they make it uncomfortable for you: long balls, second-ball fights, balls that just fall in the right position. You have to be ready to work your socks off.

"At times, we matched it quite good and other times we couldn't do it. Overall, I think we definitely could have done better, but you are still playing against a team who has strength in the way they played tonight, and we have to adapt to that."