When you look at the teams who Liverpool have played so far this season, five of the seven currently sit in the top half of the table, while Newcastle United, who are 11th, are much better than their current position suggests. It is fair, then, to argue that the Reds could have been handed an easier set of opening fixtures.

And, given they came on the back of a difficult summer that saw Arne Slot's squad experience change and tragedy, the fact that the defending champions are just one point off new leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table means they remain in a good position.

But when a club the size of Liverpool lose three games in a row - like they did before the international break, for the first time under their head coach Slot - it is big news.

OPINION

OPINION