The table doesn't lie, so goes the saying. Well the form table must be exempt. Liverpool are nine matches without defeat across all competitions and eight unbeaten in the Premier League, which is a record only matched by Manchester City. Yet that Arne Slot's side are fourth and three points clear of Chelsea, based off their recent performances, is mystifying. Harrison Reed's late equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Fulham was exactly what Arne Slot's side deserved for another below-par attacking display.
The Reds raised their level in the second half, but that was only because they left it so pitifully low in the first. They ended the match with just two shots on target at Craven Cottage. Against Leeds at Anfield in midweek it was only four. Before that against each of Wolves, nine-man Tottenham and Brighton, it was just four shots on target per 90.
For some of the attacking talent Liverpool have, even if they were hampered by injuries at Fulham, that is unacceptable. It's two per game less than they averaged when they won the league. It's three fewer per 90 than Jurgen Klopp's final season. No wonder they're scoring far fewer goals. Slot's side are just a boring football team to watch right now - full stop. Previous Liverpool teams with far fewer elite-level players have been more enjoyable to watch than this one.
They don't attack well, they don't defend well and they don't press well. They have absolutely no identity. No urgency or intensity. Very little imagination or creativity. No style that points to a long run of wins or a healthy long-term future. They're averaging 1.7 points per game - down from 2.35 at the same stage of last season. Unless they significantly improve before May, stand to end the year on 64 points with 62 goals scored and 53 conceded.
As unbeaten runs go, Liverpool's is one of the least convincing England's top division has ever seen. It is covering up gaping cracks. Watch them play at the moment and you'd never believe they are the defending champions, and have beaten Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
In every possible way, Liverpool are a significantly worse football team than 12 months ago. And all of their players look short on confidence and courage, producing too many ponderous performances devoid of anything that suggests a stirring second half of the season.
One of the biggest problems for Slot is how poor the first halves are. In 13 of their 20 Premier League games in this campaign, they have failed to score a goal in the opening 45 minutes. In the seven games that they have scored before the break, they've won six and lost one. The other 13? Four wins, four draws, five defeats.
For now, Liverpool's unbeaten run is keeping Slot safe in the job. But the fixtures to come do not bode well. Between now and February 21 their fixture list is as follows... Arsenal (A), Barnsley (H), Burnley (H), Marseille (A), Bournemouth (A), Qarabag (H), Newcastle (H), Man City (H), Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (A).
Liverpool are in real danger of some humbling results over the next 47 days. Slot is unlikely to be sacked unless Liverpool are out of the FA Cup, Champions League and withering in the fight for a top-four finish by then.
But he is losing the faith of the supporters. Understandably so when Liverpool are as boring as they are. As things stand it is so difficult to see how the Dutchman can make this team anywhere near as exciting as the first half of last season. The formula for success is invisible.
Liverpool need more new signings to add extra solidity defensively, more legs, progressive passing and protection in midfield plus direct 1v1 threat in attack. And yet even if they signed Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Antoine Semenyo right now, would the team's performances improve? Maybe. But the tactical mess that the Reds are under Slot right now suggests maybe not.
They are, at best, a mediocre side. One that will likely need to scrap for Champions League qualification until the last kick against Brentford on May 24. But that is not down to a lack of ability, despite some of the holes in their squad. Liverpool's malaise is mainly a coaching problem and one Slot is not yet showing he will solve.