The lack of confidence in Manchester United's chances at Anfield was summed up perfectly in Liverpool manager Arne Slott's press conference ahead of Sunday's 2-2 draw.
Incredibly, the first question the Dutchman faced concerned whether or not the visiting team finished 14th in the standings. Premier LeagueHe might consider resting the key men.
However, the gap between these two sides was equally large last season, yet the Reds failed to win any of their three encounters.
As such, perhaps we should have seen An enthusiastic performance by the Red Devils Coming up, more frustration for the hosts when they face their arch rival.
Three disciplined full-backs who defend well? Checks. A quick attack that deals damage on the counter? Checks. A disappointing result at Anfield? Checks.
Even before Slott pointed it out in his post-match press conference, Liverpool supporters could perhaps see the similarities to his only defeat in charge, which came Against Nottingham Forest Back in September.
In the same way, United emulated Forest's success in frustrating their hosts and beating them on the break inside 90 minutes.
However, if there is any silver lining to falling into the same trap again for Slott, it is that it comes just over a week before a rematch with Nuno Espirito Santo's side, which will provide an opportunity to show what lessons have already been learned from this matter. the time.
After defeats, it is all too easy to point out that a personnel change could have a profound impact on the course of the game.
But with Dominik Szoboszlai out on Sunday, it really feels right.
The Hungarian was left out of the starting line-up against Leicester City for a well-deserved rest, but was handed a one-match ban for serving against West Ham United after coming on as a substitute, and then also missed that match due to illness. .
Unfortunately, it was his loss to United that really told us Liverpool They sorely miss the leader of their press, a man who constantly fills the gaps with his unparalleled drive.
To make matters worse, his replacement Curtis Jones endured a mixed afternoon, allowing the visitors to have the upper hand in the middle of the park throughout.
Of course, as much as this result looks like a defeat given United's position and the rivalry between these two sides, Liverpool fans shouldn't get too carried away in the misery.
The truth is that the Reds had better chances overall, and could easily have walked away with even a memorable performance like this with three points.
What's more, with Arsenal after wasting points For the ninth time in 20 games so far over the weekend, Slot's side remain in an enviable position at the top.
They are six points clear with a game in hand, and are main favorites for the title as a result, while the Gunners are yet to string four successive wins together this season.
This means Liverpool have plenty of scope to drop points here and there, even if they would like to avoid it altogether.
