Liverpool: 2020-21 mid-season report card
Having followed up Champions League success with a first league title in 30 years over the course of the last two seasons, expectations around Liverpool were understandably high coming into the new campaign.
The Reds blew away the competition in the English top-flight last term and, while they failed to go deep in Europe, have typically represented a good bet in continental competition under Jurgen Klopp.
So, how have things panned out on both fronts so far this term?
Liverpool: The season so far
Liverpool produced a somewhat stodgy performance en route to a penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, but didn't let that affect their Premier League start.
A thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United on the opening day was followed by less chaotic and far more convincing victories over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and then Arsenal at Anfield.
New signings Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota left their mark on those fixtures, providing early signs that they might improve an already strong squad.
Liverpool summer moves in
| In | From | Reported fee |
| Thiago Alcantara | Bayern Munich | £25m |
| Diogo Jota | Wolves | £45m |
| Kostas Tsimikas | Olympiacos | £11.75m |
Liverpool summer moves out
| Out | To | Reported fee |
| Dejan Lovren | Zenit St Petersburg | £12m |
| Ovie Ejaria | Reading | £3.5m |
| Ki-Jana Hoever | Wolves | £13.5m |
| Rhian Brewster | Sheffield United | £23.5m |
| Nathaniel Clyne | Crystal Palace | Free |
However, the champions were soon given a huge wake-up call in the form of a shock 7-2 thrashing at Aston Villa.
To their credit, Liverpool have recovered well, earning creditable draws at Everton and Manchester City either side of wins over Sheffield United and West Ham to move a point off top spot in the league.
Meanwhile, they have carved out a lead atop their Champions League group by beating Midtyjlland, Ajax and Atalanta, the latter pair away from home in fixtures that on paper looked to be their toughest.
The Reds are handily positioned at home and abroad.
Liverpool: Grade A-
But for that hammering at the hands of Aston Villa, this would have been a perfect start to the new season for Liverpool.
It remains to be seen how they cope with the double loss of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to serious injury, but Klopp will be pleased with what he has seen from his players so far.
If the English champions can stay on track until they get a chance to reinforce at the back in January, the season promises much.