Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and the Champions League have pricked the growing optimism under Andoni Iraola. But Liverpool will be given the chance to sign off before the final international break of the year on a high when they travel to struggling Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Victory at Selhurst Park would ensure the Reds would remain fifth in the Premier League standings at least and go some way to banishing the memories of the harsh 1-0 home loss to Arsenal and disappointing 3-2 defeat at Fenerbahce.
Members of the Liverpool Fans' Jury have given their verdict on those defeats and the trip to south London to take on the Eagles.
Useful Lessons from a Sobering Few Days
James Noble described the past few days as "relatively sobering" but potentially among the most useful of Andoni Iraola's time at Anfield. He noted that Sunday's defeat to Arsenal and Wednesday's to Fenerbahce were considerably different in how they came about, while providing a range of points of encouragement and concern.
Noble felt the first-half response to the Gunners' avoidable but well-taken winner was promisingly strong and sustained. While Mikel Arteta's side's durability and discipline was evident, constructive questions can be asked around Liverpool's substitutions, on-field balance late on and Premier League chance creation.
After a stable start in midweek, soft concessions and poor game management became disappointingly defining features, which was partly credit to Dirk Kuyt's team.
Individual Performances and Positive Signs
Alisson Becker's lofty levels since his 2018 arrival mean any drop in standards, as seen in moments within this last week, stands out. His broader body of work since returning from injury in May has, in Noble's view, been excellent, though. Trey Nyoni's intelligent showings were a positive that spanned both games, meanwhile, and the Reds do remain reasonably placed in both the Champions League and Premier League standings.
Winning at Crystal Palace on Sunday can send Liverpool into the international break looking upwards. The Eagles possess talent, but their league position, 18th at time of writing, and underlying numbers reflect their struggles. Liverpool's quality should be the defining feature in South London.
Making Football Look Harder Than It Should Be
Matthew Whitty said Liverpool are making football look harder than it should be, with something particularly frustrating about watching talented footballers make the game look so difficult. He felt Liverpool seem to be managing it in every department.
At the back, comfortable possession can become an exercise in testing everyone's blood pressure. The team invites pressure, takes unnecessary risks and turns harmless situations into genuine danger. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister, the best at controlling the tempo, spends too much time covering ground. Ryan Gravenberch is at his best driving forward, yet is often relied upon to protect the defence. Dominik Szoboszlai has the legs to press relentlessly, but hasn't consistently shown the guile needed at No. 10. The team is struggling to find a balance that brings out their strengths without exposing their weaknesses.
In attack, passes are regularly overhit or misdirected, while runners head into spaces their team-mates clearly aren't expecting. Promising moves break down before the goalkeeper has even been tested. At times, it's as though the forwards have only just been introduced to one another.
There's too much quality in this squad for Liverpool to keep making football look so difficult. Better decisions, sharper movement and greater understanding would go a long way, with plenty for Andoni Iraola to address against Palace this weekend.
