'Just as he prepares to let go' - National media spot sad Jurgen Klopp reaction in 'self-inflicted' Liverpool defeat

A bad week for Liverpool became a terrible one thanks to Crystal Palace's 1-0 win at Anfield on Sunday.

And the irony for Jurgen Klopp is that perhaps the best result of his weekend came at the Emirates as Arsenal stumbled to a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Manchester City now lead the Premier League after they hammered Luton Town on Saturday afternoon and the Reds' hopes of a 20th league crown look slim as things stand.

Liverpool are giving Jurgen Klopp and his replacement big problems in two areas

Jurgen Klopp gives blunt Premier League title verdict after Liverpool defeat

The ECHO was at the game on Sunday to provide the usual mix of analysis, player ratings and the big-match verdict.

But here's how our colleagues over on the national pages viewed a first Premier League defeat at Anfield since October 2022...

'Perhaps this time it is all starting to mean too much'

The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe writes: "They like to say 'this means more' at Liverpool, but perhaps this time it is all starting to mean too much.

"Eight days ago they were top, readying themselves to pepper Manchester United’s goal with 32 shots and still pursuing a treble. And not just any treble. Jurgen’s farewell treble. The treble to be remembered on an open bus tour in May, closing the book on a rejuvenating era. The treble that was going to make the job even more daunting for Klopp’s successor.

"Five dropped points and a humiliating European defeat later, and Liverpool are one more poor Premier League result from being compelled to consider life post-Klopp sooner than they imagined.

"Whether results elsewhere reopen the door or not, even the most optimistic Liverpool supporters know they are no longer admiring a team that resembles