• Premier League

Distin happy for Liverpool to win title

ESPN staff
April 8, 2014
Who will triumph in the race for fourth place?

Sylvain Distin says he doesn't care if sealing a Champions League spot with Everton helps bitter rivals Liverpool win the title.

His club's push for a top-four Premier League finish has raised the prospect of a dilemma for Everton's fans in the closing weeks of the season.

Roberto Martinez's side host Manchester City in their penultimate match on May 3 and know that a home win could enhance Liverpool's chances of a first league title since 1990.

City and Chelsea are the only two sides with a realistic chance of overtaking Liverpool, who secured a ninth successive Premier League win on Sunday by beating West Ham 2-1 to go back to the top of the table.

Everton, meanwhile, are just one point behind fourth-placed Arsenal after beating them 3-0 on Sunday. They also have a game in hand on Arsene Wenger's side.

Distin, 36, is dreaming of a place in next season's Champions League but has been astonished to find that not everyone at Goodison Park feels the same way.

He said: "We've spoken about it with some of the staff and said: "What if we have to beat City to be in the Champions League, but by doing that Liverpool win the league?

"The funny thing is, some people would rather we don't get Champions League [football] as long as [Liverpool] don't win the league. It's mad.

"Personally, I'd rather be in the Champions League. You can't miss a chance for that. It would be amazing for the city if both clubs made it. Deep down both sets of fans would like it if both clubs were in it."

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