The headache grows stronger, duller, for a deflated Jurgen Klopp. A month and three defeats since eviscerating Manchester United, and Liverpool cannot even locate square one.
The chasm yawned on Saturday, Manchester City more than good yet Liverpool more than bad. Holes in midfield, defenders absent without leave. They took their fewest shots in a Premier League game since 2011.
Klopp, who suggested that City had shown them some mercy, said there were no redeeming features, and it means they are desperately hoping for a favour from Everton when they host Tottenham tonight.