Liverpool boosted their Champions League hopes on Monday after beating Leicester City 3-0.
Two goals from Curtis Jones and a later finish from Trent Alexander-Arnold saw Leicester in 19th on 30 points, two behind Everton in 17th spot with two games to go.
Liverpool’s victory now puts them fifth in the table on 65 points after 36 games, one behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand over their rivals.
Leicester had central defender Jonny Evans in the starting line-up for the first time since October, however, the three-time Premier League winner with Manchester United couldn’t put up the much-needed defense.
“We look at the results and we’ve lost too many games and other teams have been better, it’s as simple as that,” a dejected Evans, who captained Leicester on his return. “We’ve got two more games left and we have to put in the same effort we showed tonight, the same commitment, but we’ll be competing like we did tonight.”
Jones opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a superb first-time finish from Mohamed Salah’s cross and three minutes later, the 22-year-old midfielder scored the second goal, and again from an assist from Salah.
Leicester tried their best to change the scoreboard but Harvey Barnes’ effort was saved by goalkeeper Alisson.
Alexander-Arnold then sealed the match after another touch from Salah in the 73rd minute.
Salah also lost a chance to score in the 79th minute after a pass from Cody Gakpo, but he shot wide off the net.
Liverpool has won seven league victories in a row, but manager Jurgen Klopp is unconvinced his side can reel in either Manchester United or Newcastle above them.
“I don’t think it’s likely [finishing in the top four] when you see how they [Man United and Newcastle] play, they have so much quality,” Klopp said after the match. “It would be a real shame if they slip and we’re not there. So we have to do our job.”
With a trip to high-flying Newcastle United and a home game against West Ham United to come, time is running out for the 2016 champions to retain their Premier League status.
“We look at the results and we’ve lost too many games and other teams have been better, it’s as simple as that,” a dejected Evans, who captained Leicester on his return to the starting line-up, told Sky Sports.
“We’ve got two more games left and we have to put in the same effort we showed tonight, the same commitment … but we’ll be competing like we did tonight,” he added.
