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Liverpool's recent fragilities reared their head once again on Sunday as the Reds were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Manchester City.
Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku secured a seismic win for Pep Guardiola's side that leaves Liverpool's title hopes in tatters at this early stage of the season. After the euphoria of the midweek win over Real Madrid, Liverpool came crashing back down to earth, as it suffered a fifth league defeat in the last six games.
Slot will have a long two weeks to reflect on the disappointing display over the November international break, and there is plenty to unpick from this dreadful trip to Manchester. Here are the main talking points from Sunday's game.
City dominate
Arne Slot referenced pre-match how Liverpool has performed better in recent weeks against side that played a shorter passing game. The same was expected against City, but Pep Guardiola's didn't repeat the errors of Aston Villa and Real Madrid, and played with swagger and purpose. The hosts dominated possession and physically imposed themselves on the opposition. Jeremey Doku was devastating on the left flank, Phil Foden kept things ticking over in the center, and the City defenders dealt effortlessly with any balls played into Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool woes return
Many said prior to Sunday's game that it would be biggest indicator if Liverpool really has the capabilities to compete for the title. On the evidence of the 3-0 capitulation at the Etihad, the answer is no. After the wins over Real Madrid and Aston Villa, the display at City was more reminiscent of the woeful showings against Brentford and Manchester United. Liverpool lacked bite, was easily overrun in the middle and several if its main stars put in dreadful displays.
VAR controversy
After a slow start, the game expoloded into action, following some slack defending from Ibrahima Konate that allowed Jeremy Doku to advance into the box. The Belgian was clipped by Giorgi Mamardashivili and, following a review of the footage at the pitch-side monitor, referee Christopher Kavanagh awarded a penalty. The decison felt harsh, with Andy Robertson complaining vehemently, while Virgil van Dijk were involved in a minor skirmish, and Bernardo Silva and Conor Bradley exchanged words. Thankfully, Mamardashvili stood up to the challenge and kept out Erling Haaland's penalty, as Liverpool breathed a sigh of relief.
Later in the first half, Van Dijk's headed goal was ruled out as Andy Robertson was judged to have blocked Gianluigi Donnarumma's line of vision.
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Sunday's loss leaves Liverpool seventh in the table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal after less than a third of the campaign. At this stage, Liverpool has already lost more league matches this term than the entirety of last season. Meanwhile, City now sits second and trails Arsenal by just four points.
Guardiola marks special day
Liverpool had hoped to spoil the party on Guardiola's milestone match, as the Catalan celebrated 1000 games as a head coach. Instead, Guardiola earned a win against his old foes on a dreary, grey Manchester day, to put a huge dent in the Reds' title hopes.
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