Liverpool’s title hopes fade after Spurs stalemate

LIVERPOOL: Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool cannot give up hope in the Premier League title race after a 1-1 draw against Tottenham despite admitting he cannot see Manchester City slipping up. Klopp’s side edged ahead of City on goal difference after dropping points at Anfield for the first time since February. But the English champions can now afford to draw one of their remaining four games and still retain their title.

Pep Guardiola’s men can retake top spot and open up a three-point lead when they host Newcastle on Sunday. “It is an important point but we all know the situation,” said Klopp. “We are now top of the table and if we and City lose all the rest of our games then great, but we all know that will not happen.

“I would love to sit here and say yes City will drop points, the problem is I can’t see it.” A share of the spoils took Tottenham to within a point of fourth-placed Arsenal, but their chance of a top-four finish now also rely on the Gunners dropping points in two of their final four games. Son Heung-min rounded off a brilliant team move to put Spurs in front on 56 minutes. Luis Diaz’s deflected shot levelled 16 minutes from time, but Liverpool failed to find a winner.

“It is not easy to play in this moment against an amazing team in an amazing atmosphere,” said Tottenham boss Antonio Conte. “The have a lot of energy despite playing every three days, it is incredible. They are deserving of everything they are reaching this season.