Liverpool’s positive start to the week was let down by a showing devoid of quality against Man City, placing a further importance on the fixtures to come after the break.
Not for the first time this season, the Reds are heading into an international break off the back of a defeat, one that will continue to be dissected over the next fortnight.
Liverpool were unchanged on the teamsheet but much-transformed when it came to the performance, and not for the better in their 3-0 defeat.
Here, Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) and Keifer MacDonald (@KeiferMacD) discuss the Reds’ seventh defeat of the season and the significance of the next run of fixtures.
Were there any positives to salvage from the match?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 9, 2025: Liverpool team-mates goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (L) and Hugo Ekitike celebrate the saved penalty during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
JOANNA: That we don’t have to go to the Etihad again in the league?
I thought Szoboszlai, again, was one of the few players at least trying to put his mark on the contest, but that feels like clutching at straws in all honesty.
It was nice to see the trend of our No. 2 goalkeeper being able to save penalties, it was just a shame that it was not a moment that saw Liverpool kick on.
KEIFER: After a week that very much felt like Liverpool were ‘back’, it’s hard to find many positives in the meek showing.
One thing I would say is that it felt like another step in the right direction for Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Of course, the statistics will say he conceded three goals, but he made an excellent save to keep out Erling Haaland’s penalty. He seems to be growing in confidence with each outing in a Liverpool shirt.
But sadly for him, his time between the sticks is likely to come to an end after the international break as Alisson is expected to be fit against Nottingham Forest.
However, he can be happy with his recent performances for the Reds.
What was the worst part of it for you?
JOANNA: It is the fact that we are so easily bullied on and off the ball.
Only days ago the same side showed the fight you want to see every match, and yet it looked like we had the names on the shirt but not the right players filling them.
As supporters you can accept when you are beaten by the better team, which City most certainly were, but the lack of intensity and intent is what you cannot forgive – and we’re saying it too often.
A special mention for the ridiculousness that was our ruled-out goal as well. By no means was it why we lost, but the linesman cannot be flagging that – Doku was more of an issue than Robbo!
KEIFER: There were obviously loads of disappointing themes to choose from, but I think the worst element was how disjointed Liverpool looked.
After more or less reverting back to the team that won the Premier League last season in recent games against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, I expected more from the Reds.
Look, don’t get me wrong, the Etihad is one of the toughest places to go and get a result in Europe, and Liverpool’s record of two league wins there in 10 years proves that, but it was difficult to watch their midfield bypass Liverpool with such ease.
After how well Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai handled Madrid in midweek, I thought they would make more it more challenging for City.
And there are ‘winnable’ fixtures coming up, how do you assess the next run of games?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 9, 2025: Liverpool players Dominik Szoboszlai (L) and Mohamed Salah in the line-up before the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KEIFER: Between now and the end of December, we will learn an awful lot about what to expect from Liverpool’s season.
Yes, performances have been disappointing over the last six weeks, but it is worth remembering a) how difficult the Reds fixtures have been and b) how few of them have been at Anfield.
Four out of the next seven Premier League games are at Anfield, with two of those against sides currently in the bottom three.
Additionally, two of Liverpool’s next three away games are against clubs currently in the bottom five.
These so-called ‘easier’ fixtures should allow Liverpool to put points on the point while playing key personnel into form.
JOANNA: My only caveat to the point you make Keifer is that most of those teams will be happy to utilise a low block, play long or seek to capitalise via a set piece.
We’ve struggled against all variations this season and Slot has openly admitted he has not had a solution, but let’s hope this break offers him a light-bulb moment – whether that’s in Ibiza or not!
It is certainly a defining run and I want to be optimistic about it. I just desperately want to see consistent performances, then the results will come.