It is little wonder Jurgen Klopp had a smile on his face to light up even the brooding grey, sodden skies that swept across Anfield.
Not only did his side impressively maintain their push for four trophies this season, but they did it while suggesting there is a bright future for his young team, even when the golden generation of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane is over.
Cardiff played their part in an entertaining FA Cup tie, produced two moments of controversy when on another day, or with a different VAR mentality of seasons past, they could have had a penalty, and home keeper Caoimhin Kelleher could have been sent off.
But this was Klopp’s afternoon, the moment when his meticulous planning for both present and future came together, to suggest he now has more squad depth than at any time in his Anfield reign.
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That will surely silence, for the moment at least, those critics who worry about the club’s ambition in retaining the services of Salah and Mane as contract talks drag on. Because here, the highlights were provided by four players who have been brought in as alternatives to his famous front three.
Diogo Jota needs no introduction as an addition to the Liverpool front line, his fine headed goal merely confirmation that he is now very much established as a first choice, even ahead of Roberto Firmino.
But in the second half, with the impressive visitors tiring, Klopp introduced new signing Luis Diaz AND the teenager Harvey Elliott, returning from a long, worrying injury. The impact was massive, on both the game, and the thoughts of the fans.
They cheered the double substitution for its meaning…with both players instantly producing some fine moments to suggest there is a depth now to the Reds squad that can help them win trophies this season.
Jota had scored early in the second half as he showed the instinct of a goalscorer and the heading ability of a towering number nine to turn in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fine whipped free kick.
Then, on 68 minutes, Diaz showed he is clearly a perfect Klopp player, with an enthusiastic press in the Cardiff box to win the ball, then some dazzling footwork to set up Taki Minamino for a simple goal.
It is every Klopp wants in his wide forwards…everything he has in Salah and Mane. Now he has an alternative. But Elliott provided even more skill, even more enthusiasm - and a goal to have to Liverpool fans drooling.
It was a wonderful finish, taking Andy Robertson’s cross with a caressing touch, before a turn and volley into the far corner that was simply sublime.
The options Klopp now has across his midfield and front line are frightening, with Minamino always a goals threat and Divock Origi back in training.
Defensively they have more depth too, but the manager will be disappointed about the late goal they conceded, when teenage Wales international Rubin Colwill showed real composure to stride onto Isaak Davies’ through ball, to finish in style.
More worrying was the first half penalty shout when Konate ran into the back of Mark Harris, though referee Andy Madley was probably correct in not giving the award, and then a let off for Kelleher, who caught Harris when he raced from his line.
But Liverpool survived both appeals, and posted notice they ominously serious about the domestic cups these days.
