Michael Owen knows what went wrong for Liverpool with ‘Achilles heel’ exploited against Everton

Michael Owen has conceded that Liverpool's Premier League title race journey is over following defeat in the Merseyside Derby to Everton - and says their 'Achilles heel' has come back to haunt them again.

Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin condemned Jurgen Klopp's side to just their fourth league defeat of the season, but second in the last three games. A loss at Anfield to Crystal Palace came earlier this month but the Reds remained alive in the title race with Arsenal losing the following day to Aston Villa.

However, the Gunners showed no signs of slipping up again with their Tuesday evening 5-0 victory over Chelsea putting the pressure on Liverpool. On Wednesday, Goodison Park played host to Klopp's final Merseyside Derby and it ended with a whimper as Liverpool struggled to the match the intensity of their opponents.

READ MORE: Liverpool get what they deserve for not fixing problem that has ruined title chances

READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Darwin Nunez really bad but two others shocking against Everton

Following the major setback, Klopp was asked if Liverpool are still in the title race and his answer was certainly telling. "A lot must happen," he told Sky Sports. "They must come into a bad moment, Arsenal and City. It didn't look like that yesterday [Tuesday].

"I can only apologise for today, to the people and everybody who is with us knows how hard it is for us as well. We should have done better but we didn’t and that is why we lost."

Former Liverpool striker Owen was also on hand to provide his latest title race thoughts with the Premier League legend offering a very similar verdict to Klopp. “I think it’s gone personally,” Owen told Premier League Productions when asked about the title. “Three points isn’t insurmountable, but if you look at the goal difference, then you might as well call it four points now.

“I can’t see Arsenal slipping up twice. I certainly can’t see Manchester City doing the same thing, so it’s an uphill struggle for Liverpool. Really frustrating tonight. Definitely the chances to win the game. Hats off to Everton, they defended really well and took their chances when they had them.

On where it has gone wrong, he added: “It’s the same problem for Liverpool in the last few games. If you can’t finish your chances, then you are going nowhere and that has been the Achilles heel.”