At the weekend Liverpool missed the chance to close the gap on the top four and make their return to the Champions League next year look in any way likely. Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City and Spurs all dropped points during a weekend that helped to make the Premier League a little more interesting, and yet when it came to Liverpool's turn with a fixture they have not lost in six years (Arsenal at home), they lost 2-1.

Outplayed by Arsenal in the second half, they were to rue the chances missed in their dominant first half. Liverpool will hope to find their feet once more tonight in their match at home against Wigan, and although the reds are well and truly stuck in a period where goals just don't come easy it's a fixture they will be expected to win. Last night Aston Villa beat Sunderland 2-0 away and Man Utd won 3-0 at home to an under-strength Wolves, so the gap will grow into a gulf if they don't win the majority of games this side of the new year.

The major concern to those involved in England's most successful club is surly beginning to dawn on them, that is the increasing likelihood of a finish outside the top four this season. The question arises, then, as to whether, if Man City were to succeed in their aim of a top four finish, would Liverpool ever get their place in the Big Four back? With the promise of Champions League football to all targets, surely Hughes could sign anyone he wants, changing the dynamic of the Premier League forever.