DUNN

ignore the siren failings that sounded throughout this Liverpool performance.

Klopp’s tenure has been studded by reality checks – and this was another.

The reality is that, through central defence and midfield, they can be alarmingly vulnerable.

De Bruyne’s pass for Aguero’s opener might have been a touch dreamy, but it was into inexcusable space through the middle, where Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip laboured all day.

De Bruyne’s cross for the first from Jesus might have been lovingly persuaded, but it was to a teammate left in splendid isolation.

Aguero’s unselfishness might have gifted Jesus his second, but the pair were allowed to gambol clear like a couple of stags on the loose.

Ahead of that third goal, possession had been returned to City by Jordan Henderson’s quite dreadful pass. It was a snapshot of the Liverpool captain’s day.

Sometimes, more prosaic qualities can be made to look purposeless by the princely promptings of players such as De Bruyne and David Silva.

This was one of those times. Again, Klopp was right to underline the significance of Mane’s dismissal.

Yet playing with 10 men is something coaches prepare for.

Klopp withdrew Mo Salah at half-time, which seemed odd, unless he was conserving his energy for Champions League duty. At least Salah’s pace might have had an outside chance of levelling up the personnel numbers against a nervy Nicolas Otamendi.

Maybe Klopp could have done with a substitute to put in midfield, who would offer a hint of countercreativity.

Philippe Coutinho was still at home, Alex Oxladechamberlain (above) was making as anonymous a debut as you could see.

It was an odd decision, the Coutinho one, and proof Klopp does not get everything right.

He was probably right, though, when declaring, in the light of Mane’s red, Liverpool should not lose too much confidence from this, should not lose confidence at being thrashed by a stellar City team.

But he would be wrong to think this was not a capitulation.

This was a reality check and Klopp, from the discomfort of his seat, probably knew it.

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