The first leg of the LEAGUE Cup semi-final at Anfield.

It’s been an odd week for Liverpool Football Club, in that Sunday’s win in North London seemed to symbolize more in the broad picture than merely a fourth-round FA Cup place.

The highs of it, coupled by the shattering blow of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, ensured a non-semi-final-like buildup to this event.

If you were in a pub near Anfield before the game, the environment was bustling and lively enough to remind you of the sense of occasion that comes with being this far into a competition.

If anything, the peculiar vibe in the days leading up to the event is a testimony to the reality that eliminating two-legged semis was long overdue.

The Reds opened the game like a team that didn’t realize they were in a League Cup semi-final, although they can be excused due to the large number of absentees and the lack of rhythm of some of the newcomers.

Liverpool had Fulham where they wanted them for the first 19 minutes, before Virgil van Dijk’s rare blunder produced enough turmoil in the ranks to shake whatever foundation this patched-up 11 thought they had.

Fulham gradually became the more at ease of the two sides with the ebb and flow of the game. The Reds were filthy.

Our right-hand side struggled the most, due to their inability to cause Antonee Robinson any concern defensively, as well as the American international’s pace and Willian’s evergreen trickery offensively.

Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch, and Harvey Elliott all worked extremely hard, but nothing came off. After halftime, I think all three showed they had grown into the game more, but the game was still calling out for something new from Liverpool.

At halftime, I considered taking Gravenberch off, pushing Elliott back into what appears to be an increasingly comfortable midfield slot for him these days, moving Luis Diaz to the right again, and having Darwin Nunez stretch Fulham from the left.

What Klopp did instead proved the value of having a roster full of players with a variety of skill sets, as well as a group that exudes quality.

Because I primarily wanted the ragged Reds to find a way to turn their raggedness into a threat to Fulham’s comfort, I was concerned that the inclusion of Cody Gakpo — who, at times, resembles a night at the opera rather than heavy-metal football — wouldn’t be enough to disturb the away side.

I was relieved to be wrong, but I was even more relieved that the addition of Nunez alongside him turned the game on its head to such an extent.

Because the Uruguayan stretched the opposition by repeatedly reaching to the byline and turning their defenders inside out and back again, he created space for Gakpo’s finesse and Diaz’s power.

Curtis Jones’ deflection goal was no more than his now-trademark Gini Wijnaldum-esque effort deserved — and there was something very former Liverpool number five about the goal itself, as it broke the deadlock in a sloppy yet justified manner.

While Nunez assists on the first, it’s the second where he truly demonstrates the impact he can have on the ceiling of this side, with his strong metal sounds harmonising nicely with the stillness and composure of Gakpo’s operatic powers.

I admired the efforts of all three goal scorers and only hoped that the man who finished the night with two assists had scored the goal he craves every time he steps onto the field.

I admired Bradley’s progression through the game, from causing Robinson no difficulties to having him backpedaling and wobbling on the perimeter of his own box. Every attack causes him to grow in stature.

I liked another sumptuous Alexis Mac Allister performance, another Joe Gomez left-back masterclass, and a rock solid night from Caoimhin Kelleher — who I’m persuaded has more skill with his feet than most of his number at this level, as well as barrels of poise. Another recognition to large squads that exude quality and diverse skill levels, in my opinion.

If the Reds began the game as if they were unaware they were in a League Cup semi-final, there was little doubt inside Anfield by the conclusion.

Liverpool’s squad, the manager’s substitutions, football game patterns, and lads developing in stature all returned to the party.

I hope we can have even more of our best men at the next celebration, because if we love rising to the great occasion today, we’re going to love what’s in store for us much more in the future.

Bring it on all fronts.