Two very different celebrations, two very different goals, one very big result.
As the minutes, as the seconds ticked down and supporters edged ever nearer the nervous desperation that can only come from such an intense championship battle, Liverpool underlined just why they are there in the first place.
First came Gini Wjnaldum , his explosion of delight almost as spectacular as the thunderbolt first-time finish from Trent Alexander-Arnold's low, driven corner that left Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge grasping the warm South Wales air.
Then it was the turn of James Milner , coolly despatching from the penalty spot after Mohamed Salah had been mauled to the ground by daft Cardiff skipper Sean Morrison .
Not for the seasoned campaigner the jubilant histrionics of his Dutch team-mate, though.
Instead, Milner mimicked an old man with a dodgy back and a walking stick.
It was impossible not to raise a smirk in admiration at the midfielder's pointed response to the apparent teasing of team-mate Virgil van Dijk over his veteran status.
Mind you, during an almost unbearably tense opening hour, the fans packed in the away end – and those watching at home – could be forgiven for feeling they had aged several years.
Up against a durable, resolute relegation-threatened Cardiff side scrapping for their lives, Liverpool created a succession of chances, only to spurn them all.
So when Wijnaldum provided the rare gift of an away Premier League goal on 57 minutes, the outpouring of delight was mixed with considerable relief.
Milner's spot kick nine minutes from time eased any nerves left jangling among the Reds faithful and ensured Liverpool moved on to 88 points with three games remaining – their best tally in Premier League history – and back to the top-flight summit.
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City must be sick of the sight of Liverpool, the Red pest that simply won't go away.
Liverpool's ecstatic away support saluted their team after the final whistle before singing along with a timely airing inside the emptying Cardiff City Stadium of Bob Marley's Three Little Birds.
The Reds don't need to worry about a thing for the next few days. City, though, most certainly do.
Over to you, boys. What have you got?
