Stewart Downing believes Liverpool can still finish in the top-four this season.
The Reds are one of the in-form teams in the Premier League at the moment, as demonstrated on Saturday evening when they eased past Wigan Athletic 4-0 at the DW Stadium. This was their sixth win by three or more goals since 22 December, but they remain slightly of the pace when it comes to finishing in the top-four and securing UEFA Champions League qualification.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are currently in seventh position in the standings, and some 10 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. And although there are only 10 matches left to play of the campaign, Downing, who scored the opening goal at the weekend, is refusing to throw in the towel.
“I think it’s coming together. We’ve had some good results of late,” said the England international winger. “We’re finishing teams off and defending ever so well. Pepe Reina made some great saves against Wigan and if we do our bit at the other end of the field, we’ve got a chance. It’s all coming together. We’ve got 10 games to go and we’ve got to keep winning games.”
A big test of Liverpool’s newly-found confidence will come on Sunday, when third-placed Tottenham Hotspur visit Anfield. Difficult trips to relegation-threatened Southampton and Aston Villa follow, whilst Rafael Benitez will make an emotional return with his Chelsea next month. And towards the end of the season, Everton make the short trip for what could be a crucial Merseyside derby.
