Liverpool legend Ray Houghton believes the worst thing about the Reds' 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City was that no one could see it coming.

The Reds thrashed Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield before the international break and then captured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from the Gunners before the transfer window slammed shut to further boost the feel-good factor ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium.




But Liverpool were second best against Manchester City and after having Sadio Mane sent off crumbled easily, conceding soft goals and lacking fight.

Houghton believes that given Liverpool's performances this season there was no sign that such a display was around the corner.
 


He said on LFC TV: "The worst thing about it is you couldn't see it coming.

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With the wins against Palace and Arsenal, there were no signs there would be that capitulation, heads going down as quickly as they did in the second half. They didn't really respond or react to it.

"People were giving the ball away, making the wrong decisions, there was no sign of it.

"It is very hard to explain", the former Liverpool midfielder added.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will be keen to make sure his side's heavy defeat is only a blip and the Reds have the chance to bounce back quickly when they entertain Sevilla in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

The Reds are next in Premier League action next weekend when Sean Dyche's Burnley make the trip to Merseyside.