Watching Liverpool clinging on to a Champions League qualification berth at this stage of the season is surely a culture shock to fans who have grown accustomed to witnessing their side challenging for the title.
Indeed, in the previous two years, the Reds have led the way after 23 games, memorably storming clear last term to end a 30-year wait to be crowned champions of England.
But while Jurgen Klopp's side are in fourth place, there is one table in which they remain clear at the top.
And it underlines why Saturday's opponents Leicester City should be somewhat concerned - and highlights a problem the Premier League champions are still to address.
Despite that setback against City, Liverpool still lead the mini-table involving games this season between the supposed 'top six' of the Reds, both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Klopp's side have taken 14 points from seven games with the City loss their first defeat.
Pep Guardiola's side are next with 11 points from six games, while bottom are Manchester United, who have taken just four points from six games with no victories and only one goal scored - which, inevitably, was a penalty.
Extend the table to include Leicester and the other main top-four challengers, neighbours Everton, and Liverpool remain top with 18 points from nine games.
Intriguingly, though, Everton are next with 15 points from eight games, a point ahead of Leicester. City are next with 11 points from seven games.
And if results only include games against teams all the way the down to lowest-placed 'top six' team Arsenal in 11th, then Liverpool are a whopping nine points better off than anyone else with 27 points from 13 games.
United and Everton are next on 18 points after 12 and 11 games respectively. City have taken 16 points from 10 games.
Of course, Premier League placings are determined by results against all the teams, not just those nearer the top than the bottom.
And Liverpool's poor record against those in the bottom nine - 13 points from 10 games - explains why they find themselves 10 points behind leaders and clear title favourites City.
The Reds, then, have tended to produce their best against the leading teams this term.
And as a victory at Leicester would move them above the Foxes into third place this weekend, Brendan Rodgers - whose side were thumped 3-0 at Anfield earlier in the campaign - cannot say they haven't been warned.
