Mark Bright: 'Arrogance' Made Liverpool Falter in Title Race

Mark Bright believes Liverpool were "arrogant" against Crystal Palace which affected their chances of winning the Premier League this season.

Although the Reds went top of the league table after avoiding a defeat against the Eagles, they were looking to score more goals and reduce the gap in goal difference on Manchester City.

However, after racing into a 3-0 lead, Brendan Rodgers's side shipped in three goals in the final quarter of the game to leave Selhurst Park with only one point.

The result ensured Manuel Pellegrini's side need only one point from their final league fixture against West Ham United, following their 4-0 victory against Aston Villa at the Etihad on Wednesday.

Bright, who formerly played as a striker for Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic, pointed out that Liverpool's way of playing inspired Tony Pulis and his players to take advantage of the Reds's defensive frailties and nick a point, thus denting the Reds's title bid.

"I observed after every goal the Liverpool boys grabbing the ball, running to the halfway line and putting the ball on the spot. I thought to myself, 'obviously they're going for goals'," Bright told talkSPORT.

"It smacked of a bit of arrogance to me. I think the players sensed it, Tony had a chat and it changed. I just thought that got through to Tony and to the team and as we saw it was one of the great Premier League comebacks."

Bright reckons Liverpool should have rather focussed on getting maximum points instead of chasing goals against Palace. The 51-year-old stressed that the Merseyside club would have had a better chance if they were level on points with the Citizens coming into the last game of the season.

"The most important thing for Brendan was to come away from Selhurst with three points. Then you're in with a chance of doing it on points never mind goal difference. You've got to go into the last game with real hope," Bright explained.

"They needed to take it to the last game, then you still give yourself the chance that West ham might do to Man City what they did to Chelsea."

After playing 37 matches, Liverpool are second in the league table with 81 points while City lead with 83 points. Steven Gerrard will be able to lift their first title at Anfield in 24 years on Sunday only if they beat Newcastle United and West Ham beat the Citizens at the Etihad.