Andoni Iraola is continuing to learn about this Liverpool side every week. Even after tasting back-to-back defeats for the first time in the last seven days, the Spaniard would have discovered who he can turn to and who may not have a future at Anfield.
Fenerbahçe sent him a reminder of the work still needed to be done, but victory over Crystal Palace has since earmarked how the Reds are far more capable of bouncing back under Iraola than they were under Arne Slot.
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
The positives took place courtesy of the big-money men. Bradley Barcola was at his best when finding the feet of Florian Wirtz for the German's goal, whilst Alexander Isak found his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign to secure the points.
The negatives, meanwhile, featured some all too familiar suspects.
How Liverpool survived Selhurst Park scare
History will reflect a 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park as a solid display. Alas, the truth is that this was not a vintage Liverpool display.
But for the offside flag, they would have deservedly found themselves 1-0 down courtesy of Jorgen Strand Larsen. Against a side which has picked up just two league wins all season, it was Liverpool who were slow out of the blocks.
If ever there was a game to provide evidence of the fruits of Liverpool's summer labour, however, it was this one. For all the criticism aimed at former sporting director Richard Hughes, all three of his signings had their say to battle past those at Selhurst Park.
The concern for Iraola is that things aren't quite fluid as yet.
The same concerns that fans had around facing low blocks upon his arrival are beginning to rear their heads once again. But that's only where the problems start. If the Spaniard is to truly enjoy progress at Anfield, then he must be ruthless in the coming week.
Milos Kerkez continues to be a problem for Liverpool
Replacing Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold was never going to be an easy task for Liverpool. Some turbulence was to be expected, but perhaps not a full-blown crash in both roles.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
Jeremie Frimpong was the man tasked with replacing Alexander-Arnold. Truth be told, the Dutchman was never the right fit on paper, given his expertise at wing-back rather than fullback, and has since lost his place to centre-back Ronald Araujo to sum things up.
On the other side lies Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian had so much promise at Bournemouth, especially under Iraola, as he assisted five Premier League goals. As far as Liverpool were concerned, that was enough to splash out £40m to secure the left-back's signature.
A debut season to forget quickly followed, but some blame could be placed on Slot. With Iraola in, many expected the good old days to return for Kerkez. That, however, has simply not happened and the Hungarian once again struggled against Crystal Palace.
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To make matters worse, Robertson has started well at Tottenham, showing all the signs of a player who still has plenty left in the tank. If Liverpool could, then perhaps they would jump-start their very own DeLorean and reverse their decision alongside starting one other star against Palace on Sunday.
4/10 Liverpool star was worse than Kerkez
It's never a good sign for any side when there are understandable calls for the two youngest players to emerge from the bench. That is Liverpool's current reality, though.
Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are earning their place every week without fail. The former is proving to be one of the best passers in Iraola's squad, enjoying far better control than Dominik Szoboszlai.
Rio Ngumoha, meanwhile, has completed more dribbles than Lamine Yamal in the Champions League this season. That's the company he's keeping, with Liverpool rapidly moving beyond the need for Cody Gakpo, who lost the ball every two touches in South London.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
In the early stages of the campaign, there was plenty of relief that the Dutchman stayed put rather than joining Manchester City in a £75m move. Months later, although that relief still exists, it's becoming clear that it should not warrant a starting place.
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Cody Gakpo vs Crystal Palace
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Dribbles
Chances created
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Assists
Whilst the likes of Barcola, Wirtz and Isak ran the show, Gakpo was subdued at a time he cannot afford to drop off amid so much competition for wide places.
The international break hands Iraola plenty of time to reflect on victory over Palace and that reflection should see Gakpo drop out the side for Ngumoha.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk during the warm up before the match-1
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk during the warm up before the match-1