Liverpool boost top-five bid, Spurs in peril

AFP | London

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Liverpool are closing in on a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League after a disappointing title defence, while Tottenham’s relegation fears continue to deepen as the season nears its conclusion.

Here are some key talking points from the Premier League weekend:

Old guard ease Liverpool’s pain

Everton started the Merseyside derby full of belief, but Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute winner moved Liverpool a step closer to securing Champions League qualification.

Less than a year after winning the Premier League, Arne Slot is under pressure following a difficult second season at Anfield.

Heavy defeats in cup competitions have intensified scrutiny on the Dutchman.

However, Liverpool now look set to finish in the top five, sitting seven points clear of sixthplaced Chelsea with five matches remaining.

The inconsistent form of Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk has contributed to Liverpool’s struggles this season, but both delivered in the derby at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Salah opened the scoring before Van Dijk’s late header effectively ended Everton’s hopes of Champions League qualification.

Tottenham’s woes

Roberto De Zerbi has urged his struggling Tottenham side to keep believing as they battle to avoid relegation.

However, the club’s position looks increasingly dire, with wins proving elusive while their rivals continue to collect points.

Spurs conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Brighton, marking De Zerbi’s first home game in charge.

If West Ham defeat Crystal Palace, Tottenham could find themselves four points adrift of safety with only five matches left.

Nottingham Forest’s 4-1 win over Burnley lifted them five points clear of the drop zone, while Leeds have opened up an eight-point cushion.

Tottenham’s upcoming clash against bottom club Wolves is now a must-win if they are to keep their survival hopes alive.