In a turn of events no-one saw coming, Liverpool are now one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United and are three away from Newcastle United in third.
Liverpool have won six matches in a row in the Premier League to increase the pressure on the Red Devils and the Magpies heading into the final weeks of the season.
Eddie Howe's side were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal on Sunday before Erik ten Hag's men suffered their second straight loss later that night as they were defeated 1-0 at West Ham United.
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Man United and Newcastle remain the favourites to seal the final two Champions League places behind Arsenal and Manchester City. But there is no doubt the Reds, who return to action at Leicester City on Monday, are piling the pressure on.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher spoke about his former club's top-four hopes after they won 1-0 at home to Brentford on Saturday. He said: "The result tonight gives them a glimmer of hope and if West Ham are to get three points against Man United tomorrow, maybe you can start talking about the top four can happen." Spoiler alert - the Hammers won.
Micah Richards claimed on Sky Sports he was a "little bit more confident" for the Reds after beating Brentford. He said: "I am a little bit more confident because there is no pressure, they are not expected to finish in the top four. Now they are just playing with a little bit of freedom and the good thing for Liverpool is that they are not playing like the Liverpool of old, but they are still getting over the line.
"They can go into every game with that confidence - sometimes it is better to chase than having the points on the board psychologically."
The Mirror's John Cross believes Man United will be "looking over their shoulders" at Liverpool, but thinks they should have the edge. He said: "Manchester United will be looking over their shoulders because Liverpool are getting results just at a time when Erik ten Hag’s men have had a dip in form.
"Logic tells you that United should do it as three of their four games are at Old Trafford and are against Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham. But the nerves are there and now we’ll see United’s strength of character because you wouldn’t back against Liverpool to carry on winning."
Fellow Mirror journalist Andy Dunn has also backed United and Newcastle to keep hold of their top-four spots: "As we all saw in the game against West Ham - and in countless others - they [United] really are not THAT good.
"But the lame efforts of the likes of Liverpool and Spurs mean United, along with Newcastle, will finish in the top four. Erik ten Hag’s side play four teams who have nothing to play for while Eddie Howe’s men should take care of business in the home matches against Brighton and Leicester City.
"While their football is still not at its fluent best, Liverpool are likely to win their remaining three games and keep the third and fourth placed teams honest. But Newcastle United will hold on to third spot and Manchester United will finish fourth."
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