Opportunity knocked for Liverpool. Having beaten Aston Villa and Leicester over the festive period - albeit without much conviction - they had the chance to squeeze up behind fourth-placed Manchester United by winning at Brentford.
Instead, they produced one of the most feeble performances of the Jurgen Klopp era. Disjointed, even disinterested at times, they were blown away by the chaotic brand of football Brentford have made a speciality.
Liverpool could have been just one point off the top four - the perfect launchpad for 2023 - but instead they are now seven adrift after United beat Bournemouth.