Sean Dyche probably did not need a wake up call or a reality check - he has studied this Everton squad and will be well aware of its weaknesses.
But the size of his task was made clear as Everton failed to provide a repeat of the passion, fight and ability that saw them conquer Arsenal as they fell to defeat in the Merseyside derby. Dyche was measured in his post-match comments and rightly pointed out that three points from his first two games was a positive total - though he certainly did not play down the disappointment of losing the derby.
It was a difficult night for Everton but it was another 90 minutes through which Dyche could learn more about his players and supporters could witness more of their new manager. In and around Anfield and the matchday experience, here are a few moments away from the main talking points that stood out from the press box.
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Ellis Simms makes the starting line-up - but not the programme
The inclusion of Simms in the starting XI - his first start since an away day at Chelsea in December 2021 - was a slight surprise when the team news dropped at 7pm. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a clear doubt after Sean Dyche's "touch and go" comment at Finch Farm on Friday so the question was always likely to be which player replaced him - with Simms competing with Demarai Gray and Neal Maupay.
The opportunity was Simms' first of substance since being recalled from a loan spell spell at Sunderland just after Christmas and his inclusion was enough of a surprise for Liverpool to not feature him in the profile of the Everton squad that formed part of the club's matchday programme. Twenty two players had their picture and some brief information detailed about them - Simms was absent however.
Sean Dyche micromanaging Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil has started both games under Dyche and it's clear the familiarity between the pair, who worked together at Burnley, is bringing more out of the midfielder. McNeil had his best game in an Everton shirt against Arsenal and fought hard on the left wing against Liverpool in the first half. Pinned back by Trent Alexander-Arnold he was unable to offer support to Simms, but applied himself to his defensive duties under the eyes of Dyche, who was watching from the touchline McNeil was operating from in the first 45 minutes.
Dyche is vocal and demonstrative on the touchline and he micromanaged McNeil, making clear his support when he tracked back and made tackles. McNeil appears a confidence player and while it did not quite work out for him at Anfield, it looks like Dyche is likely to have the best chance at getting the most from him.
Everton chairman in the stands
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright was at Anfield to watch the Blues on Monday night. Having missed the previous two games at Goodison Park due to what the club describes as safety instructions, he was at the away game just like he was for West Ham United, the last away game before the trip across Stanley Park and Frank Lampard's final match in charge. Whether he will return to the directors box for Leeds United at Goodison on Saturday remains an open question.
Amadou Onana disputes Jurgen Klopp's protest
There was a period just before Liverpool's opening goal during which Everton managed to move play into the middle third after having been pushed back for much of the opening 30 minutes. Central to that was Amadou Onana, who was just starting to grow into the game when Everton conceded to Mo Salah's breakaway goal. As he became more prominent he won a free-kick in front of the technical areas after being caught in the face by Alexander-Arnold. As Jurgen Klopp threw his hands up in frustration and apparent disbelief Onana made clear his belief he was fouled as he looked up at the Liverpool manager from the floor and pointed to where he had been caught.
Conor Coady shows fight and hurt in late chaos
It is hard to count the late clash in the corner as a moment that did not receive much attention considering it was the game's flashpoint. But as Jordan Pickford and Andy Robertson wound eachother up - Pickford charging at the left back after he kicked the ball away - Conor Coady's reaction showed a player still up for the fight and clearly hurting as Everton headed towards defeat. Coady ran up to the arguing pair and pulled his goalkeeper away. But he was no peacemaker, instead removing the England number one from his path so he could have his chance to remonstrate in X-rated fashion with Robertson.
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