Five talking points from Liverpool's humiliating loss against Man City

London, Sep 9: On paper, it promised to be a huge entertainer but in reality, the opening game of the fourth game week was pretty much one side.

Well, at least the score line suggests so. Liverpool, who boast an amazing record against big clubs under Jurgen Klopp, were thrashed 5-0 by Manchester City at Etihad on Saturday but the score line hardly reflects the actual case.

The key factor of the game turned out to be the sending off Liverpool star Sadio Mane which was a controversial call from the referee Jon Moss and many will have many opinions about his decision.

A Sergio Aguero strike and doubles from Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus despatched the visitors, who had beaten Arsenal 4-0 last time out. But the Reds were on top until Mane's controversial clash with City goalkeeper Ederson.

Here are five talking points from the game:

Was Mane’s red card the correct decision?

Well, even the pundits are divided in their opinion about it but what we can say is, the Senegalese forward was unlucky to be sent off as he clearly did not want to hurt Man City keeper Ederson who was rushing out of his box to clear his line.

It was an accidental coming together and many will say that it was harsh from Moss to send Mane off while some would say that Mane had to be careful and cautious and his foot was a bit too high. However, the decision clearly changed the complexion of the game.

Jesus and Aguero can team up

From the last season since Manchester City signed Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero often had to lose his place up front. A question kept circulating that was it possible to play both South American forwards together?

Well, you have your answer. The Brazilian and the Argentine combined really well up front providing all sorts of problems to the Liverpool defence.

De Bruyne is the best creator in the Premier League

Manchester City’s record signing Kevin De Bruyne has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League since his arrival from Wolfsburg a couple of seasons ago and the Belgian once again proved why he is the best creator in the Premier League.

The Belgian provided two assists in the game and was sublime with his passing through and through. Deployed in a slightly deeper role this term, De Bruyne was perfectly placed to pick up a loose ball in midfield and thread an expertly-weighted, defence-splitting pass for Aguero to open the scoring.

His perfectly accurate cross from the left was then converted by Jesus just before the interval to put City two clear, moments after a mirror move from the right was ruled out for offside.

Mohamed Salah has to improve his finishing skills

Since his arrival from AS Roma this summer, Mohamed Salah has been scoring goals and setting up his teammates but his finishing still has plenty to be desired. The Egyptian often gets into the right area and possesses a blistering pace to outrun any defender but he misses most of the chances he gets.

In games like these, you have to take your chances and if not for Salah’s early misses, the story could have been much different today.

Klopp’s amazing record shattered

Until today’s game, Jurgen Klopp boasted an amazing record against the big guns of the Premier League but today’s 5-0 loss will surely hurt the German gaffer dearly. He was undefeated against last season’s top six last season but after this game, there will be a huge loss in his resume.

The German's overall record against those teams is now: P20 W9 D9 L2. That's still remarkably impressive, though, and the envy of the other managers at the top end of the table. And Liverpool fans mustn’t panic. They should take it as just a bad day in the office.