Liverpool were offered a lifeline in their chase for the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon. Manchester City made the trip to London to face West Ham United, and the Hammers managed to secure a 2-2 draw.
The Reds can now go one point behind Pep Guardiola's men with a win over Southampton on Tuesday night. Victory over the Saints would ensure the winners of the competition are not decided until the final day.
Jurgen Klopp had Jarrod Bowen to thank. The Irons forward scored both of West Ham's goals over the weekend, beating Ederson on two separate occasions.
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If it wasn't for Bowen and his clinical performance against the Manchester outfit, the Premier League trophy would be virtually guaranteed to remain at the Etihad.
His contributions on Sunday were timely as on Tuesday night, Liverpool look set to be without Mohamed Salah for the bout against Ralph Hassenhuttl's side.
The Egyptian forward picked up a knock in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. He remains confident of being fit for the climax of the Champions League at the end of the month, but the Saints contest could come too early for him.
Klopp has depth in his attack, but Salah is unique in comparison to Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota because of his preferred foot.
Unlike his fellow offensive teammates, Salah is left-footed and that makes him perfect for the right-sided role within the confines of Klopp's favoured 4-3-3 system.
Without the 29 year-old in the team, everything is slightly less perfect and balanced, as he's often replaced by a right-footed player who behaves differently.
Bowen, much like Salah, is one of the league's best lefties. He's improved under David Moyes this season and last summer, the Reds were linked with a move for his services.
Still just 25 years-old, Bowen is English and homegrown, and he suits the profile of a typical wide threat under Klopp as a quick and direct poacher who is willing to work hard on the defensive side of the game.
With Salah's future remaining undecided at present, Liverpool could be in the market for a left-footed forward in the near future. His contract is due to expire in 2023 and negotiations seem to be ongoing.
Bowen could be a natural solution to Klopp's lack of left-footers in his attack, whether Salah stays or leaves. As of right now, he the Egyptian international offers a perk that no other player can aside from Harvey Elliott and Kaide Gordon, both of whom are teenagers.
It remains to be seen as to whether Bowen will have impacted the destination of the Premier League trophy this season but ultimately, it could be a matter of time before he's part of Klopp's squad at Anfield.
