Have Liverpool just blown their Premier League title chances? Is that Arsenal and Manchester City celebrating in the background?
On Wednesday night, 24 hours after Arsenal smashed Chelsea 5-0 in the London derby, Liverpool responded by losing 2-0 to Everton.
This was a horror show from Jurgen Klopp’s men and it puts another spanner in the works in their quest and dreams to win the title this season.
This just isn’t about winning that main crown, but trying to make sure that Klopp’s final season as manager ends in the highest of highs.
As things stand, Arsenal lead the table with 77 points after 34 games, Liverpool are second on 71 points and with a much worse goal difference, with Manchester City one point behind Klopp’s men, but they have two games in hand.
This is still in Manchester City’s hands, the last team you want to have the advantage. But even if they drop points, Arsenal are also a major issue.
Yes, Mikel Arteta’s men lost to Aston Villa over a week ago, but they have since responded by winning back-to-back league matches.
The morale in the Liverpool dressing room is going to be as low as it has been this season and Klopp will have to wave his magic wand for one last time.
But whatever the German does, Michael Owen feels it’s done and he thinks the title is now ‘gone’ because he can’t see Arsenal or Manchester City dropping points, as he told Premier League Productions (24/04/24 at 10:10 pm).
Liverpool dent title hopes with 2-0 defeat at Everton
“I think it’s gone personally,” said Owen. “Three points isn’t insurmountable, but if you look at the goal difference, then you might as well call it four points now.
“I can’t see Arsenal slipping up twice. I certainly can’t see Manchester City doing the same thing, so it’s an uphill struggle for Liverpool. Really frustrating tonight. Definitely the chances to win the game. Hats off to Everton, they defended really well and took their chances when they had them.
“It’s the same problem for Liverpool in the last few games. If you can’t finish your chances, then you are going nowhere and that has been the achilles heel.”
Over to Manchester City…
Now it’s Pep Guardiola side’s turn to add their chapter in this pulsating three-way Premier League title race.
Manchester City travel to the South Coast to take on Brighton on Thursday night and you can bet your bottom dollar Liverpool and Arsenal supporters will be cheering Roberto De Zerbi’s men on.
But like the Treble winners have done year in and year out, you suspect normal service will resume, they will see this out and go on to win a fourth title in a row.
And even if they drop points, they would still have an advantage over Liverpool, which is what will just further frustrate the Anfield faithful.
