There is no doubt that something had to change. It is just no one thought that, when it came down to it, it would be Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino against Everton.

The rights or wrongs of that decision, and it was certainly not the decisive factor in ensuring the 229th Merseyside derby ended in stalemate, will become clear by February 3.

Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur that day and have the chance to avenge their 4-1 mauling at Wembley back in October, but the fixture also signals the end of a run of 14 matches in 65 days. Jürgen Klopp can then catch his breath and assess where Liverpool’s season stands.

Video highlights: Liverpool 1 Everton 1

On February 4, 2017, the view had become blurred. A 2-0 defeat at