Philippe Coutinho fails to shine but the biggest problems are with Liverpool's defence as Jurgen Klopp's side fall to shock defeat against Swansea

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At the end of Philippe Coutinho’s last Premier League start Liverpool were in second place, a point behind leaders Chelsea and six clear of Tottenham.

Fast forward from November 26 to January 21 and things have changed somewhat.

Coutinho’s absence, with ankle ligament damage, had seen Jurgen Klopp’s men drop to third, below Spurs, and the Stamford Bridge train has steamrollered seven points into the distance. 

Philippe Coutinho endured a frustrating afternoon for Liverpool against Swansea City

The Brazilian midfielder is hassled while in possession by Swansea defender Kyle Naughton

Leroy Fer (left) looks to win a tackle against Coutinho, who has returned from an injury

The freescoring days of old had left and while the drop in form was not dramatic, it was enough to cast doubts over title hopes in a Premier League season where draws for those at the top table almost feel like defeats.

No wonder, then, they were happy to have their playmaker back at L4 - and no wonder they were happy to see Swansea roll up from south Wales.

Liverpool’s attack had been as good as the visitors’ defence had been bad. The Merseysiders’ 49 goals matched by those conceded by their obliging guests.

The returning No 10’s presence was made felt after quarter of an hour when his ability to find a pass in a cramped area triggered a sweeping move - and a flash of Roberto Firmino brilliance - that ended when Adam Lallana’s exotic scissor kick sailed over Lukasz Fabianski’s bar.  

Coutinho could only watch as Liverpool went two goals behind to a Fernando Llorente double

With the visitors belying their abysmal defensive record, Coutinho looked the like the man most likely to unlock the door.

Drawing three white shirts to him created room for Firmino but his Brazilian compatriot could only fire wide in a first half that, for large spells, resembled a game of attack versus defence.

New Swans boss Paul Clement, who can hardly be blamed for a defensive approach, has a look of Tony Pulis.

For 45 minutes his side stifled Coutinho in a performance the wily West Brom manager would have admired.

But the midfielder was on the field for Liverpool's first goal, courtesy of Roberto Firmino

It got better for Swansea following the break. Dejan Lovren’s error led to a needless corner from which Fernando Llorente poked home and minutes later the same man powered Tom Carroll’s cross past Simon Mignolet for a scarcely believable 2-0.

Klopp, and an increasingly restless Anfield, needed a quick response and got one - although Firmino’s header from Milner’s pinpoint cross had little to do with Coutinho.

And seconds later he was off, replaced by Daniel Sturridge. He will be better for the runout.

Another flash of Brazilain brilliance from Firmino brought the scores level but another flash of slapstick defending, with Ragnar Klavan the culprit this time, allowed Gylfi Sigurdsson to put Swansea ahead once more and secure a win that busted coupons before the 3pm kick-offs. On the touchline Klopp exploded, and no wonder. The goals took Liverpool’s conceded tally to 27 – 12 more than Antonio Conte’s resolute Chelsea.

The midfielder is expected to be important to Liverpool's attempted title challenge this season

Sadio Mane’s African Cup of Nations adventure continues to rob the stuttering Merseysiders of rhythm.

Klopp joked before this game that he could ‘kick him in the lower back’ after the forward’s goal helped Senegal progress and extended his absence. His German boss may want to kick him somewhere else if more damage is done before he returns.

The biggest questions of Liverpool, however, remain over their defence. Joel Matip was left on the bench amid the confusion over his eligibility.

Nobody, not least Klopp, will need telling that conceding three goals at home to Swansea is not the mark of a championship-winning side. 

Coutinho was substituted off for Daniel Sturridge as Liverpool chased a comeback at Anfield