Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were given an unexpected boost by Everton’s 5-1 victory over Brighton on Saturday. The Reds had already secured a 1-0 win over Brentford, keeping their slim chances of a top four finish alive. Brighton had three games in hand on Liverpool prior to their match with Everton, and a win in all three would have been enough to move them above the Reds in fifth place. However, the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool’s local rivals has meant that if the Reds win their remaining three fixtures, they will end the season above Brighton.
The result also had implications at both ends of the table, as it lifted Everton out of the relegation zone and dealt a blow to Brighton’s ambitions to surpass Liverpool. Brighton’s maximum potential points total for the season is now 70, three points less than what it could have been prior to the result.
Liverpool will need to overtake either Man United or Newcastle if they are to compete in Europe’s elite club competition for a seventh consecutive season. Newcastle currently sit in third having played a game fewer than the Reds and amassed three points more. Man United hold just a one-point advantage over Liverpool with a game in hand following their defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
Liverpool’s European fate is still in the hands of other sides as the season draws to a close, but Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his side can keep up their winning streak and keep their rivals honest. The Reds face Leicester on Monday night, where they will be looking to extend their winning run to seven games in a late push for fourth spot.