As the Liverpool team coach pulled away from the Etihad on Thursday night, there was surely one player more disappointed than most their reign as Carabao Cup holders had been brought to a premature end.
After all, not without reason do the Reds regard the competition as the domain of Caoimhin Kelleher.
The matchwinner in last season's thrilling final triumph over Chelsea, the Republic of Ireland international was decisive in ensuring Liverpool set up their showdown with Manchester City having saved three penalties in the shoot-out against Derby County in the previous round last month.
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Indeed, nine of Kelleher's 19 appearances for the Reds have come in the League Cup, with Thursday only the third time he has finished on the losing side as a Liverpool player.
Yet when the teamsheet for Monday's Premier League visit to Aston Villa emerges, it would be a major surprise to see Kelleher anywhere but among the substitutes, such is Alisson Becker's undisputed position as the Reds' first-choice goalkeeper.
"Alisson Becker is the best goalie in the world for me,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp earlier this year. “There are other good goalkeepers out there but this goalie is absolutely insane. But to be honest for me Caoimhin Kelleher is the best number two goalie in the world as well."
Kelleher's performance against City underlined the latter claim. Confident with his handling and having a composed command of the penalty area, the Irishman made fine saves to deny Ilkay Gundogan and Nathan Ake first half and had little chance with any of City's three goals.
Just as impressive was the comfort shown with the ball at his feet, Liverpool's outfield players finding their goalkeeper from all angles with the confidence Kelleher has the footwork to cope. While not quite at the levels of Alisson, it isn't too far behind. And having shone at Wembley in February, there was never any prospect of the Irishman being affected by the size of the occasion. He has the right mentality to succeed.
Having only last month turned 24, Kelleher - who has been at Liverpool since the summer of 2015 - is a mere pup in a position where longevity is the exception rather than the norm.
But both the Irishman and Liverpool know he cannot wait around forever on the bench. Alisson is only 30 and, having penned a six-year contract at the start of last season, isn't likely to be leaving any time soon. But taking on the challenge of usurping a goalkeeper with few if any equals would be a difficult task for anyone, let alone one with fewer than 30 senior appearances under his belt. For context, Kelleher has featured just four times in the Premier League, Alisson 150.
A few weeks before the Brazilian signed his latest deal, Kelleher committed his own future to Anfield until 2026. Nevertheless, there is a growing realisation he is quickly outgrowing his position as chief understudy ahead of the more experienced Adrian.
Kelleher spoke to the ECHO earlier this week where he explained how continuing in the Carabao Cup was important for himself and a number of other players in ensuring more first-team minutes. That avenue has now been closed until next season.
As last term, the early rounds of the FA Cup will offer further opportunities - Kelleher can expect to start at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round in a fortnight - but beyond that it is difficult to envisage where there could be first-team minutes, Alisson's availability permitting.
It's a conundrum of which Klopp is all too aware. “We want to keep him as long as somehow possible," said the Reds boss earlier this season. "Caoimh is an exceptional goalkeeper and we want to keep him here. And for that, he needs games."
Liverpool's next move will be intriguing. Do they believe Kelleher will benefit from a loan spell elsewhere? Do they offer the carrot of potential greater Premier League involvement in the long term? Or is the time approaching where they may have no option but to permit a transfer, perhaps with a buy-back clause? After all, the Reds have invested much time and effort in helping Kelleher blossom into such a talent.
Much, of course, will depend on the wishes of the player. Understudy to Alisson may be offering an unparalleled schooling, but being regarded the best number two goalkeeper in the world is an accolade Kelleher won't want forever. And Liverpool know it.
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