The scenes couldn't are more different, the emotions more contrasting - and that they encapsulated the present conditions of resurgent Chelsea and a Liverpool side now making a mockery of their Premier League title defence
Chelsea were responsible and a goal up after 62 minutes when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, checking out answers and searching to avoid an unwanted place in history with a fifth straight Anfield loss, decided it had been time for change
To the overall astonishment of most observers, and to the very obvious fury of the player involved, the person Klopp chose to get rid of was top goalscorer Mohamed Salah
Salah departed in what could be politely termed a huff complete with full-on head-shaking, wrestling furiously with an outsized coat when he need to the bench, as Diogo Jota returned after being absent since early December due to injury
The Egyptian forward was clearly bemused and unhappy
He would hardly be beaming with smiles at being enthusiastic such unceremonious fashion therefore the reaction was no great surprise, but it had been a symbol of Liverpool and Klopp's current struggles - and maybe some muddled thinking - that it had been their leading marksman who was removed once they needed a goal so badly
If it had been a punt by Klopp it had been a big gamble that didn't work as Chelsea moved into the highest four with a victory that left Liverpool adrift in seventh, not merely out of these Champions League places, but now also three points behind neighbours Everton, who are fifth and have a game in hand.
Cut to the Chelsea bench with nine minutes left as match-winner Mason Mount, outstanding all night, was replaced by Mateo Kovacic, with manager Thomas Tuchel moving to pack up any late Liverpool comeback.
Mount was all smiles, despite his early night, as applause from the Blues' bench echoed round the largely deserted Anfield and therefore the whole feeling was of employment close to be alright done.
.And it was
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