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For once, Liverpool can be grateful for the international break. It comes at a good time for Arne Slot's stalling side, interrupting the negative momentum and providing the chance to reset ahead of a huge game with Manchester United.
By contrast, Ruben Amorim might be a little frustrated at the delay, having picked up a much-needed win against Sunderland to restore some positivity. Yet the moods in the respective camps speak volumes, given that Liverpool still sits second, while Man Utd's win could only move it up to 10th.
Man for man and tactically, Liverpool should have too much for Amorim's side, provided it uses the break to work on its most pressing issues. After all, Slot has added significant quality to the side that won the league last season, even if the likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are yet to truly click.
But Man Utd also made moves in the transfer market. And while the early signs are that they have not especially moved the needle, new striker Benjamin Sesko has sent a warning to Liverpool ahead of his first taste of the fabled fixture.
The Slovenian striker inadvertently played a part in Liverpool's summer, delaying the capture of Isak by choosing Man Utd over Newcastle. So far, those at St James' Park may well feel that they got the better deal by pivoting to Nick Woltemade, who has certainly settled in more quickly.
But Sesko did open his Old Trafford account against Sunderland. He has now scored in successive league games, after finally beating Caoimhin Kelleher from close range at the third attempt during the defeat to Brentford.
Speaking after the recent win, Sesko vowed to step up his level. His words will resonate at Anfield, given the parallel experiences of the likes of Wirtz:
"I would say [the Premier League is] way quicker and you have less time in general," assessed Sesko, who arrived from RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. "This is one of the biggest changes, I would say.
"Everyone is really physical and athletic, but I'm getting used to it. I'll come to this level soon.
"There's loads to come, I'm still getting used to it more and more to read the players, to be connected with them even more," Sesko continued, via the Express. "I believe I can be even better and I will try to show that."
There can be little doubt that the Premier League is a step up for any players arriving into the league. It can be a particularly steep learning curve for a striker.
Timo Werner, who also arrived from Leipzig, is among those to have found that out. Sesko has been similarly reliant on his pace in the past, as well as his physicality, but has already found in England that defenders are more than a match, and less inclined to leave space in behind.
That makes it all the more impressive that Hugo Ekitike has settled in so well at Liverpool. When he comes up against Sesko on English shores for the first time, he will hope to fire his new side to a winning result.
But Sesko's warning underlines exactly why Liverpool cannot take anything for granted. Both sides have numerous players who are finding their feet — only one of them has to click to turn the contest on its head, and Slot will have to make sure it is his men who move into a new gear.
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