LONDON: The mathematical speculation continues over Liverpool’s Premier League title crowning after their goalless draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

Jurgen Klopp’s side could still win the league on Wednesday against Crystal Palace but need Manchester CIty to drop points at home to Burnley on Monday night.

If both teams win then the title would on the line in Msanchester when the two sides meet on Thursday July 2.

The Merseyside derby was the most watched Premier League game ever in Britain with a  5m average and 5.5m peak across Sky channels.

The derby ended goalless for the third straight game. The outcome was not a surprise, given that six of the last seven meetings at Goodison had finished level, including back-to-back 0-0s. Liverpool had all of the ball but Everton had the best chances and will rue missing the chance to earn a first win over their rivals in 22 games.

Liverpool re-started their push for a first league titile in 30 years needing six points to lift the Premier League title for the first time, and in the end they had to settle for just reducing that magic number down to five.

Mohamed Salah started on the bench, and stayed there, and he was missed as Liverpool dominated possession (63pc)  but could muster just two shots on target when failing to break down Carlo Ancelotti’s well-drilled defensive shape.

On the break, Everton looked dangerous late on with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison causing problemds with their running power, especially to substitute Dejan Lovren, while Tom Davies had the best chance of the game when he hit the foot of the post.

Alisson was the only spectator inside Goodison Park for most of the game, until he needed to make a smart save ten minutes from the end from Calvert-Lewin’s flick. Davies was on hand with the rebound but it his the post via a deflection from Joe Gomez.

Chelsea hit back

Chelsea remain on course for a Champions League slot after striking back from a goal down to win 2-1 away to struggling Aston Villa. Victory kept fourth-placed Chelsea a ‘safe’ five points clear of Manchester United and Wolves.

The Blues dominated the opening 42 minutes but then failed to clear a Douglas Luiz cross and Kortney Hause scored at second attempt from close range. It was the England under-21 defender’s first league goal of the season. He has now scored in each of the top four divisions after goals for Wycombe Wanderers (fourth tier), for Gillingham (third) and for Wolves (second).

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, in his 100th game as a manager, turned the game around with the second-half introductions of Christian Pulisic and Ross Barkley. The switch worked within six minutes as Cesar Azpilicueta set up two goals for Pulisic and Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has scored nine goals in his last seven games against Villa.

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