The end result could have been the same, but the emotions of the players as Liverpool were beaten by the meadow were significantly different.
A wild 6-3 defeat against Arsenal in the League Cup in January 2007 in a debate raging about the strength of the team of Rafael Benitez and his youth policy.
However, there should be similar post-mortem after taking Anfield slipped out of competition for the same opposition to the Emirates last night.
The frustration and humiliation is the dominant feeling among the fans who travel with a fortune of Liverpool have done them justice, supporting roles Benitez give grounds for hope.
And with 20 million pounds Alberto Aquilani make his long-awaited bow in a Liverpool shirt, there have been very positive for the Anfield manager.
There was some doubt on the commitment and application of the second string Liverpool last night. After all, progress in this competition represents the best chance of first team football for many of them.
However, the harsh reality is that Liverpool had lost five of the last six games, with their hopes in the Carling Cup Benitez came to an opposition in London for the sixth consecutive season.
But with a trip to Premier League Fulham on Saturday followed by a crucial Champions League showdown with Lyon, this unit is strongly priorities Benitez.
There was Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson in group travel to Liverpool, with only Dirk Kuyt - appointed captain for the night - and Emiliano Insua survivor of the team that beat Manchester United, completely in the end week.
But this duo were among the seven international full-time starting line-up of visitors, a figure in line with Arsenal - a fact that probably overlooked by many because of the uproar surrounding the Gunners youth policy.
Young Danny Ayala, Stephen Darby and Nathan Eccleston were all on the bench for Liverpool, but his eyes only on Aquilani, available for the first time since his arrival was 20 million pounds of Roma.
The Italian has emerged over the last 13 minutes and was soon showing some fine touches, although it is clearly still some way short of full match fitness.
Liverpool could rejoice as they responded to ensure equality during the break after an entertaining and well fought first half.
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