And then there were three. At the first possible opportunity, at the very first hurdle, Liverpool stumbled in their quest for silverware this season.

The Reds have only themselves to blame for slumping out of the League Cup on their own turf, their 100% start to the season disappearing along with hopes of a Wembley appearance in February.

Fingers will be pointed at Jurgen Klopp's team selection, but Chelsea also made eight changes and that didn't seem to affect them during an opening half-hour in which they steamrollered a hesitant and disorganised Liverpool.

The only thing missing from the visitors was a goal. And when that didn't come, Liverpool grew in confidence and cohesion, and ultimately led through Daniel Sturridge's splendid volley.

Liverpool's Xherdan ShaqirI battles for the ball with Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas (right) during the Carabao Cup, Third Round match at Anfield (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

But Chelsea are becoming something of a hoodoo at Anfield, Liverpool's only win in this fixture in the last eight years the meaningless 4-1 Premier League triumph in 2012 just days after losing to the Londoners in the FA Cup final.

Familiarity has bred contempt between these clubs – this their 46 meeting in less than 14 years – although referee Kevin Friend left many confused with a succession of decisions, not least the contentious free-kick from which Chelsea snaffled their equaliser.

Liverpool will point to a desperate Sturridge miss shortly after the break and some good saves from visiting goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

But Chelsea deserved this victory on the strength of their first-half showing and their extra overall quality, inflicting a first home defeat on Liverpool since the FA Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion in January.

No shame for Liverpool, this. Just a significant disappointment that cannot be allowed to threaten the momentum and feelgood factor engendered in the weeks previous by Klopp's first-choice team.

Defending goes back in time

Emerson of Chelsea celebrates with his teammates and a fan after he scores his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round (Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

At first glance it appeared Jurgen Klopp had turned back the clock.

Simon Mignolet, as had already been confirmed,returned between the sticks for the first time since January 27, while ahead of the Belgian were Joel Matip and, making their first starts of the season, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and the fit-again Dejan Lovren.

The surprising truth was the back five had never featured in a Liverpool starting line-up together before.

However, that what would conceivably have formed the rearguard two years ago is presently regarded as second choice underlines the strides the Reds have made in strengthening their back line.

For much of the first half, such purchases were made patently clear as Liverpool stumbled their way through the opening exchanges, Chelsea dominating with the home defence often having to live on their individual wits rather than any collective understanding.

Liverpool looked every inch a team packed with players who had barely featured all season, Klopp unwilling to tinker with a winning team.

That policy backfired a little here. Moreno in particular had a tough time up against former Liverpool loanee Victor Moses while Clyne was horribly rusty early on, although like many of his colleagues improved after the interval.

But just when it seemed Liverpool were on their way, along came the old failing of a set-piece concession – even if the utterly hopeless VAR should have ruled it out – before Eden Hazard capitalised on some iffy defending with a fine winner.

There's a reason why some of these players don't feature often for Liverpool nowadays. And it might be a while before they are seen again.

Fabinho a work in progress

Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea is tackles by Fabinho of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield (Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

One of the great truisms of new signings is the longer they are kept under wraps, the greater the interest and intrigue among supporters.

Such has been the case with Fabinho, the lesser-spotted £39.3million summer arrival from Monaco.

The defensive midfielder was conspicuous by his absence during the opening weeks of the season, his only action the briefest of substitute appearances in the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

Jurgen Klopp sought this week to explain Fabinho's spell on the sidelines, pointing to how tactical demands can shift for certain players when they change clubs.

It takes time. And the evidence here indicated why the Liverpool boss has been so reluctant to throw the Brazil international in at the deep end, particularly given the Reds' previous 100% start to the season.