Roy Keane insists Liverpool are in crisis after producing a "weak" performance in defeat at Man City, while Gary Neville thought they looked like a team "there to be beaten" after Arne Slot's side succumbed to fifth Premier League defeat of the season at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool were second best at the Etihad, swept aside by goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and the outstanding Jeremy Doku, with Haaland missing a penalty to boot, as City put their hand up as Arsenal's nearest challengers for the Premier League title.
The Reds, however, fell to a fifth defeat in 11 games to start this Premier League season and a seventh loss in 11 in all competitions.
The defending champions are already eight points behind leaders Arsenal after a tame display in Manchester with Keane saying it really is crisis time at Liverpool.
"I think it is crisis time for Liverpool," Keane told Sky Sports.
"It's okay to lose to a club like Man City - it's a tough place to come. But to lose seven in 10 - five league losses already - It has to be a crisis for a club like Liverpool.
"I thought Liverpool looked like a really weak team today," he added.
"The manager said he was pleased with the second half, but the game was over! It's easy to play well when you're not playing for anything.
"I thought [Slot's] assessment of the game was spot on. City looked stronger, technically better and more physical than Liverpool today.
"[Liverpool] still had moments, they've always got quality, but the goals they're giving away - their decision-making - was not good enough.
"There was a lack of intensity, a lack of energy. The subs, when they came on, looked really soft.
"I think it is a crisis for Liverpool."
'Liverpool there to be beaten'
Gary Neville also raised concerns regarding Liverpool's physicality at the Etihad and described Slot's men as a team that was "there to be beaten".
Speaking during the game on co-commentary, Neville said: "Liverpool have played without confidence.
"They look leggy. Physically, they look well off it. Sluggish.
"Sometimes you can tell a team is there to be beaten.
"Liverpool's legs are gone. They cannot get out. It is so, so poor. Van Dijk just lets it hit him. Really strange.
"They have lost every battle and it is really worrying."