Image Credits: Imago Images
The Premier League season has reached a decisive stage.
Matchweek 28 has tightened the race for Champions League football.
Arsenal and Manchester City remain clear at the top.
But the fight for the remaining spots is now intense.
Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Friday night has changed the picture again.
Villa remain third on 51 points.
But they have now won just one of their last five league games. More importantly, they have played a game more than the teams chasing them.
Liverpool sit sixth. They face West Ham at Anfield today.
A win would move them to 48 points.
That would put them level with Manchester United.
It would also close the gap on Villa to just three points, with a game in hand.
Arne Slot’s side know the opportunity is there.
Liverpool have won seven of their last eight league matches against West Ham.
The Hammers are currently in 18th place.
Three points are essential if Liverpool are serious about forcing their way into the top five.
Villa’s slip has opened the door. And their manager knows it.
Speaking after the loss at Molineux, Unai Emery admitted the situation has shifted.
He said, “We are losing the opportunity to win the title in the Premier League, two months ago we were competing with Arsenal and Manchester City, you were asking me about it.”
He added, “Someone, even myself, may say ‘maybe we can’.”
“Some supporters, maybe they were dreaming it.”
“Now we are not with the possibility to fight for the Premier League, some can feel frustrated, even myself because I have my dreams.”
Emery made it clear that Liverpool are part of the pressure building behind them.
He said “Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, they are trying to get to us, for them it is a priority to get into the Champions League.”
He continued, “I am so motivated, so excited about how we are in the Premier League in matchday 28.”
“At the beginning we weren’t favourites, we weren’t contenders, and we’re fighting with those great teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool.”
“They have huge power and they need to be in our position, it’s their target clearly.”
He then addressed the wider picture.
“He’s currently playing for Liverpool and they’re a big team in the Premier League,” he added.
“I don’t know if he can take that step, because it depends on his personal decision, as well as his club’s decision.”
Emery finished with a reminder of Liverpool’s status.
“He is a very important player for Liverpool, and Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Villa feel the pressure.
The gap is there.
Now it is up to Slot’s side to respond.
Read more: BBC report summer departure “likely” for Mohamed Salah
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.