It seemed as if the daunting away double header against Spurs and Brighton would test the Reds' title credentials, but controversial red cards for Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota in the eventual 2-1 defeat meant it wasn't a representative challenge.
And this isn't the first time Liverpool has played with a reduced contingent. In August, Alexis Mac Allister was sent off just before the hour mark against Bournemouth (his suspension was later rescinded), but the Reds were still able to run out 3-1 victors.
The very next week, Virgil van Dijk was dismissed around halfway into an away game at Newcastle, with the visitor already trailing 1-0, and after digging deep to resist the pressure, it stunned Eddie Howe's side with two late Darwin Núñez goals.
The points tally — 16 from 21 — still looks strong, but until we see a string of more conventional 11 vs 11 matches, it will be hard to fully assess 'Liverpool 2.0', and what it still requires in the transfer market.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has named Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber as his ideal teammate in an Reddit Q&A.
Gravenberch, a $43m (£34m/€40m) summer addition from Bayern Munich, placed fellow Dutchman and former Ajax teammate Timber at the top of his fantasy wish-list based on the strong bond the duo have formed."I would maybe go for a good friend of mine, Jurriën Timber," he said. "I played my whole life with him. He’s like a brother to me. That’s why I chose him."
Arsenal paid $46m (£38m/€44m) so sign Timber from Ajax, but he looks set to miss the majority of his first season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest in August.
Liverpool third kit 2023/2024
The strip sees Liverpool wear purple for the first time since the 2018/19 season. Following on from the iconic Red and remake of a 1996/96 classic, the third kit features a purple ripple pattern with black sleeve cuffs, collarbone inserts, side panelling with matching shorts and purple rippple socks.
Prices start at £44.95
Liverpool FC
Liverpool.com says: While Timber may not have the chance to show the league what he can do in 2023/24, he's only 22 years old, so time is still on his side. A former Eredivisie player of the year, he should hopefully be able to regain top form when he completes his rehabilitation and ramps back up to full fitness.
Tactically, a player like Timber could be an asset to Liverpool. He can play as both a center-back and a left-back, which would make him a good fit for Jürgen Klopp's new way of playing, where the right-back typically tucks into midfield and the man on the opposite side adopts a more conservative position, often forming a back three with the two center-halves.
Fortunately for Liverpool, Gravenberch has joined a club with a strong Dutch contingent already in the form of captain Virgil van Dijk, January forward signing Cody Gakpo and assistant manager Pep Lijnders, and that should help him settle.
Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
Signing Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City would make Liverpool 'stronger', former Premier League striker Darren Bent has told talkSPORT.
According to Bent, Phillips would unlock the full potential of Alexis Mac Allister, who's been filling in as the number six rather than playing in his primary number position
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