Arne Slot's Liverpool side produced one of their best performances of the season against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, only to lose 2-0 on the night and exit the competition. The display, which matched the European champions for large spells, has been hailed as a blueprint for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite the defeat, Liverpool showed intensity and purpose that had been lacking in recent weeks. The Reds responded to the Anfield crowd and matched PSG's breathtaking football, with a potential penalty not given after Alexis Mac Allister was felled by Willian Pacho. However, Ousmane Dembele's double, both against the run of play, sealed Liverpool's fate.
Now, with six Premier League games remaining, Liverpool sit four points clear of Chelsea and face a crucial Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Sunday. Slot's side must replicate the same vigour and effort shown against PSG to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's 17-goal top scorer, was stretchered off with a suspected Achilles injury, which could lead to a lengthy absence. Alexander Isak made his first start since December but struggled for fitness, while Mohamed Salah's introduction injected urgency into Liverpool's attack.
Defeat to PSG is no disgrace, but failing to apply the same collective effort in the league run-in would be unforgivable. The goodwill earned from this performance could quickly evaporate if Everton are allowed to bully Liverpool this weekend.
