Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that his team will struggle to make a top-four finish at the end of the season, thus virtually ending their hopes of Champions League qualification following a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on Saturday night.

Following the defeat, Liverpool are fifth on the points table with 54 points, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game left.

While Arsenal are second on 63 points, Manchester United trail them on the third spot with a point difference.

Rodgers said that he very much doubt they would be in the top four by the end of the season , adding that they must really focus on the FA Cup as that was very important for them, the BBC reported.

Liverpool will next face Blackburn in their FA Cup quarter-final replay this week.

Image: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho shows his dejection as teammate Alberto Moreno applauds the fans after their Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday

Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images