Wayne Rooney has blasted Virgil van Dijk after he twice mentioned Liverpool facing an early kick-off on Saturday following their Merseyside derby defeat.

Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a major blow at Goodison Park with Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on target as Everton earned a 2-0 win on Wednesday night.

Van Dijk gave a brutal assessment of Liverpool's performance in the defeat, which leaves the Reds three points behind leaders Arsenal with four matches remaining.

'Listen, very disappointed in so many ways and I think everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performances and if they really gave everything and do they really want to win the league,' Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

'We are fighting and still have games after tonight, but if we play like we did overall in the game like today, not winning challenges and giving the ref an opportunity to give free-kicks like he did many times, then we have no chance to win the title.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk referenced the Reds facing another early kick-off on Saturday

'It's a tough one and obviously we have to do much better against a side who is [fighting] against relegation

'It's time to focus on the 12:30 kick-off again.

'These games are always a big fight and something that we shouldn't have lost in my opinion. Now we have to pick ourselves up and be ready for an early kick-off Saturday.'

Rooney criticised Van Dijk's post-match comments, with the former Man United and Everton star hitting out at the Liverpool captain for referencing facing an early kick-off on Saturday against West Ham.

The Man United legend insisted Liverpool need to 'get on with it' after repeated complaints this season over the kick-off time following a midweek match. 

'Again we are hearing about 12:30 kick-offs.

'Those Liverpool players should be wanting to go tomorrow because when you lose a derby game you want the games to come quick. 

'Get on with it, it's part of your jobs.'

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has previously complained about the number of lunchtime matches his side have had this season in comparison to rivals. 

Saturday's match will be Liverpool's fifth 12:30 kick-off of the season, with Klopp previously highlighting the challenge posed after midweek matches or players returning from international duty.