There is never a good time to lose a game but there are certainly worse times than when you're 11 points clear at the top of the table.
Liverpool will not be pleased, especially given the manner of the goals they conceded, but defeat at Fulham should make no difference to how this season ends.
With a maximum of 11 points still needed to clinch the title, though, Arne Slot's side will not want to allow this to drag on.
There was a slackness to them in the first half at Craven Cottage, including errors of varying degrees leading to the three Fulham goals, that you simply would not associate with Liverpool this season.
A much-improved effort in the second half was much more familiar but, on this occasion, they had left themselves too much to do.
There were suggestions of tiredness prior to the international break as the end of a long season comes into view, and playing just one game a week until the end of the campaign should help mitigate any such issues.
That is a luxury they have rarely been afford this season and they will hope the additional rest helps bring a renewed sharpness between now and the end of the season.
Regardless, Sunday was a clear reminder, if it were needed, of the standards required to win in the Premier League.
