Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool is heading in the right direction under Andoni Iraola, with the penalty shootout win over Chelsea continuing the feel-good factor

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says nights like the penalty shootout win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup are bringing the energy back at Anfield.

Van Dijk started as Andoni Iraola made seven changes to his starting XI. With Chelsea missing Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro and Liverpool leaving out some big-hitters, it was a game lacking quality at times, but the Reds continued their upward trajectory by booking a quarter-final date with Bournemouth.

"It's a night like this and obviously the other night — I think the fans definitely like what they're seeing and, of course, you feel that energy and it's great," Van Dijk told reporters.

"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.

"We want to show that for the full 90 minutes, every game, home and away, and obviously it's not the easiest thing to do, but we're trying to, and nights like this help. We put a lot of work in behind the scenes. Hopefully the reward will come."

Liverpool went behind when Ryan Gravenberch felled Moises Caicedo in the box, and Morgan Rogers converted, but Cody Gakpo had leveled from the spot after a Wesley Fofana handball before half-time.

In a game lacking much in the way of clear-cut chances at either end, neither Liverpool nor Chelsea could find a breakthrough. That meant the tie was decided by penalties, with Fofana skying the decisive kick.

"It was unfortunate to get the penalty against us," Van Dijk said. "I don't think we gave much away throughout the whole game. A couple of shots from distance, I think.

"Overall, we did well. We brought a lot of energy. Obviously, they have their patterns in terms of play and bounce, and runners in between, and I think we did well.

"We could have done maybe a couple of times better. But overall, I'm happy with the evening and I'm happy that we went through."

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Joe Gomez, who is yet to score for Liverpool, netted from the penalty spot, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, in for Alisson Becker, made a good save from Marco Palestra in normal time and Emmanuel Emegha in the shootout.

"I'm happy that (Mamardashvili) played a big part in us going through, and it's great for him this evening, so happy for him — and I'm happy for us as well," Van Dijk added.

"Joe's is amazing. I was so happy for him. But yeah, I think Giorgi was very important too, again. It's a great night for all of us, we got through, and now it’s Bournemouth at home (next round) so let's go."