It was Everton who reacted to a heavy defeat against north London opposition by making a seismic decision and jettisoning Ronald Koeman. Liverpool, in contrast, stewed in silence after their 4-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur which left Jürgen Klopp with plenty to ponder. Here The Times looks at the issues confronting the Liverpool manager.

Market problems

Perhaps it is becoming clear why Liverpool were so keen to agree a transfer for Naby Keïta this summer even though he will not join until the 2018-19 season. Maybe it was not to ward off the threat of rivals belatedly waking up to his talent, but to ensure that he was on board regardless of whether the club can offer Champions League football next season. Rather like Everton,