Liverpool finally got back to winning ways on Tuesday night.
After last week's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Napoli, which followed the 0-0 draw against Everton in the Merseyside derby, the Reds simply had to pick up a victory over Ajax.
If they had failed to do so, progress to the knockout stage of the 2022/23 Champions League would have been anything but a foregone conclusion.
But thankfully for Liverpool fans, the team were able to secure a 2-1 win over the Dutch side thanks to Joel Matip's dramatic late winner at Anfield.
The goal from the former Schalke defender could kickstart the Reds' 2022/23 season after their rather shaky start.
Liverpool currently sit seventh in the Premier League table on nine points from six games and their aforementioned humbling in Naples saw them heavily criticised - particularly by the pundits.
To be honest, the players can have no real complaints about the recent criticism, as most of them were downright awful at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 07: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League group A match between SSC Napoli and Liverpool FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 07, 2022 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
However, Virgil van Dijk still took the opportunity to call out the "ex-footballers" who've been vocal about Liverpool's struggles in his post-match interview on Tuesday.
Van Dijk not happy with "ex-footballers" who've slammed Liverpool
While speaking to BT Sport alongside match-winner Matip, the Dutchman quipped: "Don't listen to the outside world, that is the most important thing. It's funny - there are a lot of ex-football players and they know what we go through but they say a lot of things to try and get us down.
"We know last week was unacceptable - today is a step in the right direction."
Check out BT Sport's interview with the two Liverpool centre-backs in full...
Video: Van Dijk & Matip's interview after Liverpool 2-1 Ajax
Fair play, Virgil.
Prior to his sly dig aimed at those who've criticised him and his teammates in recent weeks, Van Dijk touched on the events that unfolded at Anfield against Ajax.
The former Southampton man said: "They scored with their first chance - coming back from the horror show in Naples, it was so important to show a positive reaction but it is a step in the right direction.
"It was very important to win tonight to take into the break. We had to convert our set-piece chances and the one and only Joel Matip did it.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool embraces teammate Joel Matip following their sides victory in the UEFA Champions League group A match between Liverpool FC and AFC Ajax at Anfield on September 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
"It's a good step - now we carry on."
Liverpool now have an extended break until their next competitive fixture.
In fact, they have to wait until after the international break to play again, which is when they will welcome Brighton to Anfield on October 1st.