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Though Liverpool had a legitimate grievance regarding the disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal against Manchester City, both the Dutchman and Arne Slot made the same point at the final whistle.
Neither was willing to blame the referee for the defeat. Instead, they knew Liverpool simply has to find a way of improving after another jaded performance at the Etihad Stadium, the midweek win over Real Madrid seemingly having taken its toll.
Defensively, Liverpool was not particularly impressive. Ibrahima Konate struggled again and Conor Bradley was picked out by a couple of pundits for his work dealing with the lively Jeremy Doku.
"The right side for Liverpool, Conor Bradley was isolated, hung out to dry at times," Danny Murphy said on Match of the Day.
"Early in the game, Doku — who started electric — was demanding the ball and Bradley was trying to pick him up. But he was so preoccupied by O’Reilly as well on that right-hand side that he’s caught in between a lot and he can’t get tight.
"I mean, [Bradley marking Doku and Nico O’Reilly] can’t happen in a game of this quality. You’re playing high; Mohamed Salah’s there (also high).
"I know he’s allowed to stay high, but sometimes you have to take responsibility as a player. 'My full-back is struggling against a wonderful winger; I should get back and help him'.
"Not every time, but sometimes, especially when you’re being dominated."
Also analyzing the Manchester City vs Liverpool game was Wayne Rooney, who made the same point about Salah. The former Manchester United striker has criticized the Egyptian a few times already this season.
"Salah is in the team to score goals and create goals," he said. "He's been one of the best players in the Premier League over the last six or seven years. But in big games, you have to double up.
"You have to get back and help your teammate. Conor Bradley was having a really tough game today, to be left on his own.
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"Ryan Gravenberch was trying his best to help him and get over there, but then that leaves spaces in other positions. I think Salah has to come back and help his teammate."
While he perhaps didn't get much protection from Salah, Bradley was praised by Pep Guardiola after the game.
"Today, Bradley, I'm really impressed with," the Catalan said. "[Pep] Lijnders told me he can do everything — and I know how good he was with Vinicius and he handled it.
"He was aggressive with and without the ball. We tried to help him and he played an outstanding game."
Liverpool.com says: Across the board, the Reds looked physically jaded. Bradley put in a huge shift midweek against Vinicius Jr, and with Jeremie Frimpong out injured, he had to go again. That Champions League exertion must have made a difference.
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