Last-gasp winner keeps up pressure on cup final sides
LIVERPOOL increased the pressure on Leicester City and Chelsea in the Champions League places yesterday thanks to goalkeeper Alisson’s incredible last-gasp winner at West Brom.
Jurgen Klopp’s side looked to be heading to draw with the relegated Baggies, a result that would have provided City with a huge boost in their quest to finish inside the top four.
But with 94 minutes played, goalkeeper Alisson came up for a corner and flicked in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s delivery to earn the Reds a 2-1 victory at The Hawthorns.
It was a win that moved them back up to fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea and three behind City in third.
It means City still have to take at least three points from their next two games to be
guaranteed a spot in the top four.
If Brendan Rodgers’ side beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night, they will be certain of a Champions League place for next season.
If they draw, victory over
Spurs on the final day would see them back into Uefa’s top competition.
If Chelsea get their revenge after the FA Cup final and beat City, even a win over Spurs may not be enough.
They would then be at risk of missing out on fourth place over goal difference. Currently, City and Liverpool both have a goal difference of +21.
In that scenario, goal difference would only come into play if Liverpool win both of their fixtures, with last season’s champions finishing with a trip to Burnley before a home game with Crystal Palace.
Chelsea, meanwhile, conclude their campaign at Aston Villa.
City did receive a small boost on Saturday night when West Ham could only muster a draw with Brighton. That means, as far as City are concerned, the Hammers are out of their race, with David Moyes’ men trailing seven points behind with only two games to go.