They came to Anfield desperate to shovel away the snow to experience the start of a six month-long title party. They left with a consignment of ice buckets still a long way from being filled with champagne.

Four years ago, Liverpool versus Manchester United was the game that triggered Jürgen Klopp’s triumphant dash to the finish, confirming what the rest of the country already knew; Liverpool would be champions.

Perhaps the memories were too fresh. Having enjoyed that movie before, maybe too many on Merseyside anticipated a rerun.

There is no such conclusion this time or this soon, even if the difference between Liverpool’s six rather than eight-point lead can be measured in a mood more than a power swing in this year’s title race. Where victory would have prompted joyous Kop renditions about winning the league, a draw felt dissatisfying and infuriating for the hosts because for the second successive season a comfortable home win over Manchester United was considered part of the ticket price. To their credit, United were not willing to be obliging guests at their neighbours’ shindig.

Mention complacency in the vicinity of Arne Slot and his players and you would most likely be hit with an immediate lifetime stadium ban with no means of appeal. Quite right, too. Nothing from the manager and his staff gives any hint he believes Liverpool can already smell title victory.

The current squad also understands how absurd, impulsive certainty in the outcome has cursed Liverpool three times in their last four matches against United – twice in the Premier League last season and also in their FA Cup defeat.

The presumption of victory on Sunday didn’t obviously penetrate the Anfield atmosphere and to suggest otherwise feels like retrospective wisdom. Granted, it was much louder once Liverpool fell behind, but that is not unusual. Recent visitors Brighton, Fulham and Leicester City will testify to that.

But misconceptions that the jeopardy against the biggest historic rival is not what it was certainly has the capacity to diminish levels of intimidation and, consequently, overall performance.

If anything, Liverpool fell into the trap of making this one of those games they wanted to win too much because of the additional symbolism it would have brought with it.

If Mikel Arteta wants to raise the hopes of Arsenal’s players and fans, he could do worse than remind them how much Anfield craves its team to win a title in front of its spectators. Arsenal have the same desperation, of course. In those circumstances, it becomes an even greater test of holding nerve and dealing with historic context.

It has been the understated truth of this Liverpool title bid that the club yearns for what was denied them when their 30-year title wait ended.

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over United in that campaign provided the most poignant images because it was the closest Anfield would get to savouring what was to come as Mohamed Salah and Alisson hugged in front of the Kop.

The pandemic hit shortly after and Liverpool’s only title since 1990 was won in a soulless, empty stadium. Klopp’s players never had the opportunity to experience the emotions which typify the most successful run-ins; trepidation, hope, excitement, exasperation, panic and euphoria before the parade.

Every table-topper has to go through these stages. Liverpool did so four times under Klopp without that last moment of elation, three times because of Manchester City.

In terms of those stages of title success, Slot has rapidly banished trepidation and brought hope, fears that Liverpool would return to the chasing pack after Klopp’s departure instantly extinguished.

Excitement levels have elevated as his side have built up their considerable advantage.

Fanbase unable to shrug off nagging doubt

City have taken a year off, and Arsenal are not the side they were for the past two years. Chelsea are still in transition and everyone else would consider a top-four finish or European football worthy of organising an open-top bus tour.

There have been occasions either side of Christmas when it has seemed only Liverpool consider the Premier League a realistic aim.

That may explain why the final whistle here was met with near-silence. It was the sound of a fanbase desperate for the club’s 20th championship yet unable to shrug off the nagging doubt it will not be as straightforward as they hoped and many have predicted.

With these loftier expectations – and increasing defeatism from the chasing pack – comes the inevitable conclusion that Liverpool’s greatest challenger this season may actually be themselves.

Slot could never have anticipated he would be warning against the premature coronation of his side. A home draw against United is a mild setback rather than any cause for concern.

The final lesson for anyone needing a gentle reminder is this: title winners, especially, must write their own story until the final chapter and never presume they are following a predictable script.