Eddie Howe believes the energy-sapping Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Manchester United played a major role in Liverpool securing a 7-0 win over their bitter rivals.
Erik ten Hag's side secured silverware at Wembley last month courtesy of two first-half goals, which the Toon Army could not replicate after the break despite their best efforts.
Three days after tasting success in this showpiece fixture, United hosted West Ham in the FA Cup before taking on Liverpool last Sunday. It goes without saying the Red Devils' trip to Anfield did not go to plan, shipping seven goals without reply, in what was a humiliating experience from start to finish.
READ MORE: Harry Kane reacts to Liverpool loss as Tottenham Hotspur Champions League chances rated
READ MORE: What Jurgen Klopp said to Liverpool players before Bournemouth defeat raises concerning question
Liverpool failed to back up this result when taking on Bournemouth yesterday, highlighting the strange nature of the top flight once again. Asked for his view on how Jurgen Klopp's men were able to pull off last weekend's outrageous scoreline, Howe told Sky Sports: "I think it shows the exertion of the cup final took out of both sets of players. It was probably a fallout from that, I guess.
"Certainly it shows you how football can be so unpredictable as no-one would have called that result beforehand with the form of the two teams and how well Manchester United have played. I think it is a sign Liverpool are returning to their very best levels."
Defeat to Bournemouth has left Newcastle one point behind the Reds with two games in hand, which they will aim to capitalise on when hosting Wolves later today. Winless in five Premier League games, the Magpies have struggled to replicate their form from earlier on this season but are still exceeding expectations of many.
Sharing his thoughts on whether his team have been victims of their own success, Howe added: "Yeah, and with that comes a different kind of problem. Teams give you a lot of respect and the opposition you face present different problems. There are so many different solutions to different problems that we need to find and come up with."
READ NEXT:
- 'That is unacceptable' - Trent Alexander-Arnold makes blunt Liverpool mentality admission after Bournemouth loss
- National bluntly describe what Liverpool have become after Bournemouth loss
- Liverpool nightmare leaves players facing accusation they've never dealt with before
- Erling Haaland makes Liverpool point after shock Bournemouth defeat
- Mohamed Salah admission to Steven Gerrard proved right as Liverpool nightmare unfolds
