There was no doubting that Liverpool needed nothing but three points from their visit to Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
It feels like a lifetime ago that Jurgen Klopp’s side beat the previously unbeaten Manchester City 4-3 at Anfield.
In truth, it was only 16 days ago but defeats to Swansea in the league and West Brom in the FA Cup have well and truly taken the gloss off of that performance and result.
And there was no doubting that another loss against Huddersfield would put the Reds on the brink of a mini-crisis.
However, the Merseysiders picked up a crucial three points to make sure they will remain in fourth-place heading into their weekend clash against Tottenham.
Emre Can – whose contract is set to expire in the summer – put the away side ahead with a sweet strike from 25-yards albeit via a small deflection.
And seconds before half-time, it was virtually game over.
Sadio Mane’s little touch put in Roberto Firmino and the Brazilian squeezed the ball home from a very tight angle.
In the second-half, Emre Can was pushed in the penalty box and Mohamed Salah made it 3-0.
Business as usual for Liverpool.
However, despite the victory, there was one player that flattered to deceive.
He may have grabbed an assist for the second goal but Mane, once again, looked to struggle at times.
JOHN ALDRIDGE’S TWEET ABOUT SADIO MANE
In fact, the Senegalese international was so disappointing that club legend John Aldridge took to Twitter to pass comment on his performance.
During the first-half, he wrote: “Really concerned about mane!!!hes really lost his way big time!!”
Really concerned about mane!!!hes really lost his way big time!!
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) January 30, 2018
And it’s certainly a statement that many Liverpool fans agreed with.
LIVERPOOL FANS AGREE
Check out the reaction from Liverpool supporters:
Mane is struggling big time. Hence the reason why we are not as dynamic as previously when he’s on form.
— Amadu (@amadu38) January 30, 2018
I've said this for a while now, looks a different player to the one I watched last season beating players and running past them.
— Steven McGreal (@stevenmcgreal) January 30, 2018
Looked more comfortable when he was on the right. Looks disinterested looking at his body language
— Leigh Dorey (@LeighDoreyPhoto) January 30, 2018
Looks like he's lost a bit of confidence and looks a bit leggy !! Move him over to the right
— SHAUN KELLY 1977 (@Shaun77LFC) January 30, 2018