Everton take the top-six fight to Liverpool
Most of the talk in the fallout of the incredible finale to Sunday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Liverpool was the result's impact on the title race but it also shapes things up brilliantly in Liverpool's battle with neighbours Everton to finish in the top six.
The Toffees had piled on the pressure on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn that extended their unbeaten run and moved them to within a point of their nearest and dearest, however the Reds responded admirably with what - for all the chaos in the aftermath - was a deserved draw.
As Kenny Dalglish stated in his post-match interview, a draw away to a title-chasing side when forced into three substitutions due to injuries and fielding two young full backs can't be sniffed at, though given their fine record against the top four, Everton fans will be fairly happy with that outcome.
David Moyes' men have collected more points than any other team in the division over the course of their last seven games and their latest end-of-season revival has prompted a thrilling climax to what was for so long a disappointing campaign for Merseyside's two top-flight clubs.
It's not going to be easy for Everton with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea to face in their final five fixtures, yet they took five points from the reverse encounters against each, showing their tendency to deliver on the big occasion, so mustn't be written off at [5.5] to finish sixth or higher.
Liverpool's run-in is far more favourable, with three of their final five at Anfield and Tottenham the only top-eight side they oppose, so Reds supporters will expect their two-point lead to be extended. They are [1.25] to hold on, but have at times been troubled by the league's lesser lights.
Can Everton catch their fiercest rivals? Share your thoughts in the box below...
Published: 18 Apr 2011
peter (April 18, 2011 11:11 AM) said:
F*** no!