Liverpool's title dream is all but over. A win against Everton would have piled the pressure on Manchester City in particular, who would have gone into its match with Brighton four points behind.

But the defeat means both of Jürgen Klopp's title rivals must now drop points twice in the limited time left of the campaign. Of course, we should all strive to be 'believers' for Klopp one last time.

However, what was already out of Liverpool's hands is now reliant on a minor miracle, with neither Manchester City nor Arsenal looking at all likely to slip up to the required extent. Then there's the question of whether Liverpool can take care of its own business. After recent performances and results, that has to be considered doubtful.

Even Klopp, who so famously issued that doubters to believers rallying cry in his first ever Liverpool press conference, appears to have all but accepted this is the end of the road. He sounded a dire warning that Champions League qualification is not yet safe, and admitted he "doesn't expect" Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta to lose twice.

"I am pretty sure City and Arsenal see it as a two-horse race," said Klopp after the Everton game. "They might say something differently publicly but I don't expect them to lose two games.

"I don't expect them to lose. We have to be there if they do. Let's start by winning against West Ham. They lost their last game too, so they have to show a reaction and we have to as well."

But Guardiola has publicly disagreed with Klopp's forecast. While the Liverpool boss believed City would consider them out of content, the Spaniard has insisted that Klopp's team remains in a threat.

"Many things can happen," he said, via the Manchester Evening News. "What happened to Liverpool dropping two games against Palace and Everton can happen to us and happen to Arsenal.

"Everton playing for their lives — like Forest. Maybe it was a real contender for us, my appreciation for Liverpool is higher than ever. You see the game they draw at Old Trafford, or yesterday, Pickford was exceptional.

"Against Palace, the chances they miss. Tell me the reason why? It's football. I can give examples for my team too. It's there. I know the character from Liverpool institution and team, they will fight until the end.

"Nobody is safe. Just be calm and be happy today for the victory. We came here from a terrible and long schedule but the players are still there and now it's just recover and think of the next one."

Liverpool.com says: As Klopp alluded to, it would have been a shock if Guardiola had come out and publicly ruled Liverpool out of the running. But he must realize that the Reds are now rank outsiders.

Of course, Liverpool can only try to win its remaining games and seize on any unlikely advantages that come its way. One slip-up for Arsenal or Manchester City before the final day is far from inconceivable, which could at least make things interesting.

But Guardiola's side look to have found their run-in groove. Liverpool and Arsenal both know how hard it is to keep up with that.