text: Suddenly an opportunity. From looking as if a door had been slammed shut on them, Liverpool, unexpectedly, have a chance to kick it back open and capitalise. When Liverpool’s players trudged from the Emirates Stadium pitch, having been pummelled into submission by Arsenal, all hope of a top-four finish looked to have evaporated. Brendan Rodgers, subdued and disconsolate, admitted as much in his post-match debrief. The Rodgers who left London nine days ago is very different, though, to the Rodgers who will step into Anfield’s technical area on Monday, feeling optimistic and satisfied with his lot. He knows Liverpool have been let off the hook and now he wants to see a response. Liverpool's first-team players will be all smiles if they can finish inside the top four and win the FA Cup . Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling arrives at Anfield eight hours ahead of Monday night's match at Anfield . Dejan Lovren will be hoping to keep his place after appearing in Liverpool's win over Blackburn . Jordon Ibe removes a suit from the boot of his car as he begins to prepare for his side's league match . Liverpool are seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City but have a game in hand on their rivals . Had Manchester City won their games against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, talk of Liverpool being Champions League contenders would have been risible but the implosion at the Etihad Stadium has thrown things wide open. At present, the gap between Liverpool and City is seven points – and, just like last year when the two teams were duelling, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have a significantly better goal difference – but Rodgers will be telling his squad that it is not insurmountable. Given the way City are playing, there are a number of games that could cause them issues on the climb to the line – will Aston Villa and QPR be straightforward? How about Tottenham away? Does Pellegrini retain his squad’s belief? – and now is the moment Liverpool must pounce. In the next seven days, the way Liverpool’s campaign is viewed could be completely transformed. Beat Newcastle and they will believe they can hunt City down; see off Villa at Wembley and they will have a fine chance of winning the FA Cup. Rickie Lambert, pictured making his way into Anfield, has failed to hit the back of the net in his last six games . Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will be hoping his side can get back to winning ways in the Premier League . Sterling and his Liverpool team-mates were left dejected after their 4-1 defeat by Arsenal . So now the question will be asked of Rodgers’ squad: can they ramp up the pressure? There have been occasions this season when they have faltered at crucial moments – think home games against Basle (Champions League), Manchester United (Premier League) – and there can be no repeat. Here lies an opportunity for Raheem Sterling to dispel the furore around his contract saga with some jet-propelled performances, for Daniel Sturridge to remind a wider audience of his goalscoring ability and for Philippe Coutinho to sparkle and shine. Coutinho has won John Terry’s vote to be the player of the year. It was quite a statement from the Chelsea captain but there is little doubt that the Brazilian has the ability to be one of the top draws in the Premier League. These two games should be made for him. If Coutinho starts pulling the strings against Newcastle, Liverpool will get the result that will ensure Manchester City feel their breath on their necks and you would think the wide open spaces of Wembley would be tailor-made for his passing game. Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho helped his side progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup . Rodgers talks tactics with his coaching staff ahead of his side's Premier League showdown with Newcastle . ‘He is a young player that's come into this country and adapted incredibly well to the style of football in the Premier League,’ said Rodgers. ‘People initially maybe thought he might be a bit slight. But he is very strong in his mind and he’s got an incredible technique, up there with world's best. 'With him it's about the consistency. He played in a different position the other night against Blackburn, we asked him tactically to operate different and he carried that out very, very well. So great tactical discipline and obviously a wonderful goal. ‘His best years are way ahead of him. He's such a humble boy, he wants to train and loves his football every day. John's probably looking at his performance level; since he's been here it has been outstanding and is only going to get better which is the pleasing thing for everyone.’ Rodgers’ ambition all year has been to win a trophy. If he was also to steer Liverpool into a top-four spot, it would arguably represent an even better campaign than last year when they came within two points of ending their 25-year quest to become champions of England. To realise that ambition, however, Rodgers needs two wins. A door has been left ajar and Coutinho is the man to lead Liverpool through it.
target: Liverpool got back to winning ways with FA Cup victory over Blackburn .
  Brendan Rodgers will be hoping his side can close gap on Man City .
  The Reds are just seven points behind City with a game in hand .
  Liverpool host Newcastle at Anfield on Monday night .
  Raheem Sterling: My ambition is to have my own song from the Kop .