If this is a taste of what is to come at Anfield this season, then the patrons of the Kop might want to strap themselves in.
But when the battling qualities and reserves of character of the 10-man Liverpool have been assessed, analysed and given a smidgen of credit, this will still feel like a massive disappointment. Two points from six makes this, officially, the worst start to a season during Jurgen Klopp's time with the club.
And while there is some merit with how a depleted squad responded to going behind and Darwin Nunez's red card, there must already be serious questions of whether Liverpool are able to once more match Manchester City stride for stride at the summit of the English game.
