Palace of Horrors for Liverpool

The 'Pool didn't see this coming.

Come to think of it, Crystal Palace probably didn't, either.

The south London side, trying to remain in the Premiership this time around, dealt the Reds a 3-1 setback to put a bit of distance between itself and the relegation zone. For now, at least.

Like most of the big names, Liverpool, too, are underperforming. For what looked on paper to be an easy win, the match turned out to be a nightmare for the Reds. Palace netted three goals after falling behind just two minutes in, courtesy of Adam Lallana’s super assist to Ricky Lambert.

The Reds’ flaky defense probably cost them the points as Dwight Gayle, Joe Ledley, and Mile Jedinak -- on a set piece -- each registered a goal.

Brendon Rodgers’ winning récipe now must make a major upgrade if Liverpool is to challenge the still unbeaten leaders, Chelsea. Maybe they're missing the key ingredient, Luis Suárez,  more than anticipated. Last season's runners up are now sitting miserably in twelfth position. On top of that, the 'Pool’s Champions League campaign to reach the knockout stages is also fading with just three points from four games.

Keep that up, and they will be walking alone.

A season that started with a dream of triumph now faces a nightmare of mediocrity. Rodgers has his job on the line with such consistently dour performances. After splashing out over £100million this season with no exultant result, questions are starting to be asked.