Michael Owen spots Liverpool difference after Everton win as huge worry eased

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EXCLUSIVE: The former striker spoke to Liverpool.com after Liverpool's Premier League win over Everton, which saw it move seven points clear of Chelsea in the table

Michael Owen spoke to Liverpool.com about the Reds' chances of securing a top-five finish(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)

Michael Owen thinks Liverpool will secure a top-five finish following Sunday’s Merseyside derby victory.

The Reds moved seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea after a 2-1 win over Everton, which was secured courtesy of Virgil van Dijk’s injury-time header. It leaves Liverpool in the box seat to earn a Champions League spot, while Liam Rosenior’s side has now lost its last four league matches in a row.

Chelsea travels to Brighton in midweek and defeat could all but end the race for the top five, and Owen is certain that his former side will be able to end what has been a difficult campaign on a high.

“Really big win for Liverpool. They now have a nice cushion for securing Champions League football and with Chelsea and others dropping points, it’s making it now a lot easier for Liverpool to secure qualification to next season’s competition,” Owen told Liverpool.com via Casino.org, a platform helping players find UK casino brands.

“Two Premier League wins on the spin now for Liverpool has got them into a really good position after defeats in FA Cup and Champions League.

“It wasn’t the prettiest of games, but a superb ball [from Cody Gakpo] to [Mohamed] Salah for the first goal, followed up by a last-minute winner.”

Liverpool earned a vital win over Everton(Image: Getty Images)

While Sunday’s game was a boost for Liverpool’s European aspirations, it certainly harmed Everton’s hopes.

Defeat leaves the Toffees in 10th, but just a point behind Chelsea.

Owen believes Everton can still secure a Europa League or Conference League finish in the final month of the campaign.

"I think Everton can still push for sixth place as Chelsea are wobbling and I am impressed by Everton’s performances right now," he added.

“Although they got beat, they can still finish the season well.

"For Liverpool, they won the game, which was all they wanted after a disappointing defense of the title, but a Merseyside derby win always going does well with the fans and credit to the players too.”

Liverpool hosts Crystal Palace next before three successive matches against sides in the running for the Champions League places: Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa.