When Liverpool lost 7-2 to Aston Villa on 4 October, their ability to defend the Premier League title they won in such style in 2019-20 was questioned.
But by scoring seven goals of their own against Crystal Palace on Saturday, they underlined their status as favourites.
Their performance at Selhurst Park was an ominous one for those rivals who would like to think they can capitalise on the season's unusual circumstances to mount a challenge - and who would like to prevent the Reds from winning back-to-back titles for the first time since 1984.