Brendan Rodgers believes that a disallowed goal from Raheem Sterling in December has proven more detrimental to Liverpool's title bid than Steven Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea.
Sterling had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside in the Reds' 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Boxing Day.
14 victories from their subsequent 17 fixtures put the Merseysiders firmly back in contention, but a Gerrard error helped the Blues to a 2-0 win at Anfield last month to slow their momentum.
The Sky Blues need only a point in their end-of-season clash with West Ham United today to seal the triumph, and Rodgers is unequivocal in his belief that the refereeing mistake is of the utmost significance.
"When someone of that greatness and ability, it's just unfortunate what happened to him, but it could have happened to anyone," he told Sky Sports News.
"It would be more unfortunate if the decision at Man City, when I got fined £8,000, might define the season. The offside. I was the guy who never speaks about referees. Sterling is clearly onside and in on goal. If we get a goal then...
"It's the only time in my life I've been fined. I knew at that time it might be significant. So that might define our season. It won't be Stevie's slip."
Liverpool conclude their 2013-14 campaign by hosting Newcastle United at 3pm today.
Shane Callaghan
