Liverpool's defeat in Naples has, both predictably and regrettably, led to a little soul-searching.

Despite a storming start to the campaign - unbeaten in the Premier League, still top two in their Champions League group - the post-mortem of the disappointing 1-0 reverse in southern Italy has begun.

When a team becomes so used to winning, any loss will be met with a reactionary slant.

In the minds of some, a superb start has transformed into a stuttering one; what once was a Liverpool team boxing clever and winning ugly is now a team which could have bigger problems down the line.

It is far too soon to suggest that, and there has been far, far more good than bad from the Reds so far this season.

But one stat in particular has several fans questioning whether they are witnessing a real shift in Jurgen Klopp's tactics this season.

Football writer and analyst James Yorke - who works for StatsBomb, amongst other websites - has noticed a trend in Liverpool's matches so far this season.

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Jurgen Klopp on regrouping for Sunday's clash with Man City

Writing after the Chelsea game, he said: "Liverpool allowed their opponents to complete more than 80% of their passes 7 times last season, this season they've allowed that in 5 out of 7 games. Change is afoot."

That, of course, pertains to the Premier League, with only Crystal Palace and Brighton falling below the 80% mark.

But both Paris St-Germain (88%) and Napoli (86%) passed the milestone in the Champions League.

It was evident against the Serie A side, with Liverpool's pressing game not at its usual intensity or textbook ravenousness.

But what does this statistic mean overall?

A higher passing percentage against the Reds - especially compared to last season - indicates passes are not being cut out as frequently, and mistakes are not being forced so readily.

If this reflects on a shift in the team's pressing philosophy, then it raises the question why there has been such a sudden shift, especially given the personnel has largely remained the same. Indeed, the fact there have been few changes in terms of playing staff would suggest the change is intentional.

(Image: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Perhaps it is because of what Klopp faces this season. He is hoping to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League, with the FA Cup also starting in January. To start the season with such intensity, such determination, could lead to fatigue later in the campaign.

It could also be a mere change in tactics, with Klopp deciding to make tweaks to his famed pressing game. With a more stable defence, there is less necessity to ensure the ball stays away from Liverpool's final third.

And it should also be noted the two games which has seen the opposition fail to hit 80% were games Naby Keita started in - although he suffered a difficult opening 20 minutes before his withdrawal through injury at the Stadio San Paolo on Wednesday.

Another theory can revolve around the simple improvement of opposition. Teams such as West Ham and Leicester possess players with real technique, with the likes of Felipe Anderson and James Maddison capable of knitting play effectively and accurately.

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Or possibly - and this is something never truly welcome - there is no design to this change, and game situations have just been presented differently. It might not suggest anything at all, and instead serves as a mere coincidence.

Regardless, it is a possible trend which will be worth watching as the season progresses, and noting whether the Reds return to their disruptive best - or whether this more passive Liverpool is here to stay.