There's a legitimate argument that Liverpool were the better team against Manchester City until the first goal went in.
But this argument becomes meaningless when this is the 25th time it's happened this season. The pattern is so painful and boring.
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Here's what happens: Liverpool start well but miss chances. Liverpool concede when on top from lazy defending. Liverpool lose belief and stop playing aggressively. Opponents gain confidence and dominate. Arne Slot blames the performance on moments.
Slot is right that it's moments that change the game and set the narrative. But the manner in which Liverpool players basically quit at the Etihad is on him.
Even if his players choosing when to fight isn't his fault, he'll ultimately get the blame. That's just how it works.
Some of the players have been an absolute disgrace, however. I'm not talking about Mo Salah, whose legs and confidence have gone simultaneously. He's still trying, he's just no longer a world-class player. Maybe Virgil van Dijk isn't either. In hindsight, Ryan Gravenberch was never one.
It's PSG or bust for Slot and this bizarre iteration of a Liverpool team who were favourites for the Premier League and Champions League at the start of the season.
Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop