Liverpool resumed their campaign in disappointing fashion as their reign as Carabao Cup holders was ended at Manchester City on Thursday.
Fabio Carvalho and Mohamed Salah both scored equalisers only for the Reds to ultimately lose 3-2 in their fourth round clash. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a first defeat in six games against Pep Guardiola's champions.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at the Etihad.
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Pep loses his cool
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders spoke before the game of the need for both teams to set the right example for supporters after some unsavoury incidents in recent meetings, and while tempers did fray on occasion the game was played in the right spirit.
But there was one moment when Pep Guardiola couldn't contain himself at the failure of the assistant referee to flag for an offside, storming out of his technical area and bounding across in front of the Liverpool dugout and aiming a few choice words at the official before being ushered back to his post.
Jurgen Klopp and the Reds coaching staff merely watched on in seeming bemusement.
Gomez snubbed
Joe Gomez would be the first to admit he had something of a tough evening, although it did improve slightly when he moved to right-back.
But that still didn't warrant being on the receiving end of a cheeky show of disrespect from a City ball boy who, when Liverpool were awarded a throw, motioned to pass the ball to Gomez then simply dropped it at his own feet.
The Reds defender had no option but to go fetch it for himself and grin and bear it while the home fans delighted in the incident.
Light not all right
Those watching on television perhaps saw a glimpse. But only being present inside the stadium could truly portray the horror of City unveiling their new pre-match light show.
There was a hint something was up when smoke was released from all four corners of the stadium. It was, though, only a prelude for what was to come, as lasers lit up the pitch and announced City's starting line-up while also, at the conclusion, declaring it was time for a disco.
The home team also couldn't resist a dig when Ilkay Gundogan was announced as the player who had scored the goal that won the Premier League title last season - when Liverpool were beaten into second place. Stay classy, City.
Peter in the house
The latest meeting between the two heavyweights prompted plenty of attention from former players, with Jose Enrique in the press room before the match and Peter Beardsley - who played for both clubs - spotted taking a seat near the halfway line.
Plus, of course, there were those supporters who paid almost £300 to join The Asahi Super Dry Tunnel Club Premier for the joy of sitting near the dugout, having heated seats and standing pitchside during the warm-ups. They were mostly also too preoccupied at half-time that they missed the two goals early in the second half.
Such an initiative needs to stay away from Anfield for the remainder of its existence.
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