Jurgen Klopp was caught in two minds as he altered his plan for Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool's Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.
Klopp named Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk as the two big names in his much-changed side to take on the Gunners for the second time in four days.
Before kick-off, Klopp outlined his plan to substitute Van Dijk at half-time and introduce Joe Gomez.
But with the game level at the interval and Arsenal looking sharp, he declined to remove the Dutchman.
However, he still was unwilling to include the centre-back for the full game, withdrawing him after the hour mark for Gomez as he opted for a middle ground having been given another tough test by Arsenal.
Van Dijk and Salah's withdrawal briefly saw Arsenal come on strongly after the hour mark.
But Liverpool settled with Gomez looking solid alongside the young Rhys Williams in defence.
Explaining his selection ahead of the game, Klopp said: "We had to make changes. No chance to have all the same players play again.
"We kept some boys in that looked really good from a physical point of view.
"Mo (Salah) looks really good so far. Virg (Van Dijk), we will make the change again, if possible at half-time. Virg plays until half-time, Joe (Gomez) after half-time.
"Apart from that, we have to see. Good, some players in slightly new positions so that's how it is.
"James (Milner) has to again play at left-back but we will see."
After a 0-0 draw, the game went to penalties with Arsenal coming out on top.
Adrian saved from Mohamed Elneny as he missed Arsenal's third spot kick but Divock Origi saw Bernd Leno keep out the very next penalty.
Harry Wilson then saw his effort saved as it went to sudden death with Joe Willock sending the Gunners through.
