Arne Slot will be hoping for Champions League success(Image: Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

There might have been a sense of relief around Anfield on Tuesday night as Arsenal's victory over Sporting CP ensured the Premier League would have a fifth Champions League spot next season. That is ideal news for the Reds, who currently sit fifth in the division, though it might not alleviate too much pressure.

Arne Slot will not have to worry too much about the five-point gap to Aston Villa in fourth, or the six-point gap to Manchester United in third, at least for the purposes of European qualification. But fifth is far from secure for a Liverpool side enduring a disappointing season.

The Merseyside club have just a one-point advantage over Chelsea and a three-point gap to Brentford and Everton. There is no room for slipping up unless their rivals do too.

But at the very least, earning fifth place in the Premier League is in Liverpool's hands. Chelsea can reach a total of 69 points if they win all of their remaining matches, but that would include beating the Reds en route and mean the...