Man City's fourth straight loss shows the reality that they're not close to where they need to be. PLUS: Real Madrid suffer another critical injury. Here's the first batch of Monday Musings.

Alexander-Arnold signalled himself that he needed to go off, with Liverpool boss Slot admitting after a 2-0 victory on Merseyside sealed courtesy of goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah that sent them five points clear at the top-flight summit that was not a good sign as he cast doubt on his vice-captain playing any part for England this week.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest Liverpool player looking at time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa. Anfield was all smiles when the Reds secured a comfortable 2–0 victory over Aston Villa before the November international break over the weekend.