Liverpool returns to top spot; Everton humiliates Man United

LONDON — Before returning to the top of the Premier League, Liverpool got to savor a Manchester United humiliation.

Now, unusually, Liverpool needs a swift recovery by its great rival after United's despair at being routed 4-0 by Everton on Sunday.

Liverpool's hopes of ending a 29-year English title drought could hinge on a big favor from sixth-place United when it hosts Manchester City on Wednesday.

After beating Cardiff 2-0 on Sunday, Liverpool is two points ahead of City with three games remaining. But Pep Guardiola's champions have a game in hand over Liverpool so defending the title is still under their control — unless they fail to beat United.

"If you are only motivated by winning the holy grail then something is wrong with you," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. "We enjoy the ride together with our fans."

How his team could do with United holding City to a 0-0 draw just as it did when Liverpool visited Old Trafford in February.

"Man United was in that moment obviously in a much better moment," Klopp said. "We'll see what comes out on Wednesday. We have no influence on that, but we still have to play games after that."

For Arsenal, the challenge in its remaining four matches is sealing a top-four finish to qualify for the Champions League. That mission was hampered by a 3-2 home loss to Crystal Palace that left Unai Emery's side in fourth place but only ahead of Chelsea on goal difference and a point behind Tottenham.