Michael Owen believes the form of both Newcastle United and Manchester United is enough to keep another of his former clubs Liverpool out of the top four.
The Magpies came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon while Erik ten Hag's United side beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Bruno Fernandes' second-half strike.
Liverpool followed up those results with a win of their own against Tottenham Hotspur with Diogo Jota scoring in injury-time to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory.
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It was a victory that hauled the Reds up to fifth and within seven points of fourth-placed Man United and nine of third-placed Newcastle.
‘’I think the nail is in the coffin for all the teams that are chasing, Liverpool would have been watching that today thinking if we beat Tottenham we can chase them down,'' Owen told Premier League Productions on Sunday afternoon.
''But with Newcastle and Manchester United winning today, I think that might seal the deal.’’
Man United also boast a game in hand on Liverpool, who return to action on Wednesday when they play host to Fulham. The Red Devils then travel to eighth-placed Brighton on Thursday before facing matches against West Ham United (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H) and Fulham (H).
Newcastle are enjoying their best season since the early 2000's and could qualify for European competitions for the first time in 15 years. They host title-challenging Arsenal on Sunday before travelling to Leeds United, hosting Brighton and then Leicester City, before completing their campaign at Chelea.
After the Fulham clash, Liverpool face Brentford (H), Leicester City (A), Aston Villa (H) and Southampton (A).
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