The Athletic's James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Caoimhe O'Neill join Steve Hothersall to pick the bones out of Liverpool's 7-2 defeat at Villa Park. Was it a freak result? Or are there reasons to be genuinely concerned? And should we expect a lower points total this season? They also review the club's transfer dealings after the window closed on Monday night. How does it compare to the other teams at the top of the table?  SPECIAL OFFER! For a limited time only we're offering you the chance to subscribe to The Athletic for just £1 a month. You can read all of our writing on Liverpool and so much more, including Michael Cox's article analysing how the team have already conceded 11 goals in just four games this season. Just go to www.theathletic.com/liverpoolpod to sign up.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices