Jurgen Klopp praised the "incredible job" done by Liverpool's academy after several graduates stepped up to the plate to see the Reds finish January top of the Premier League.
Wednesday's 4-1 win over Chelsea was Liverpool's sixth win in seven matches in the month, giving them a five-point cushion at the top of the table and raising expectations of a first league title since 2020.
In the other match they drew 1-1 with Fulham to secure an aggregate win and a place in the Carabao Cup final.
During that time Klopp has been without several first-team regulars including star forward Mohamed Salah, who was away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt where he picked up an injury that will further delay his return to the starting line up.
Also missing are Klopp's three senior full-backs – Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas – as well as the likes of midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister at varying times.
Deputy right-back Conor Bradley has impressed hugely and put in his second successive man-of-the-match display with his first Liverpool goal and two assists in the victory over Chelsea at Anfield.
But with Alexander-Arnold close to full match fitness after two substitute appearances, it has given Klopp a decision to make ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.
“There is no situation. It is just how it is,” said Klopp.
“We had seven games in January with 11 days off in between. We couldn’t have put the string of results together without the kids, [Jarell] Quansah, Conor and we had midfielders out so we played with James McConnell at six.
“These boys used this situation. I am happy they all could perform the way they did. The academy is doing an incredible job.”
Striker Darwin Nunez had one of those games where he did everything but score, becoming the first player since Opta records began in 2003 to hit the woodwork four times, once from the penalty spot.
It was at the extreme end of what has become a frequent trademark from the Uruguay international, who set up the fourth goal for Luis Diaz, but Klopp is not concerned.
“Insane first half, unbelievable. Outstanding. Why do we speak about Darwin? Obviously because he has so many situations where he missed,” he added.
“The first time since we count a player hits the woodwork four times in a game. Think you are in his boots and how that feels. Missing a penalty you could see at half time he was really upset with himself.
“It’s just crazy that he creates that many. Imagine for a second he would take them all. The numbers would be absolutely insane, to an extent where we wouldn’t understand it any more so it’s normal.
“For us, it’s unimportant. We scored four goals, who cares if we could have scored a fifth or sixth?”
For opposite number Mauricio Pochettino the result could have a demoralising effect ahead of next month's meeting with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Liverpool's 28 shots was the joint-most on record (since 2003/04) any side has had in a Premier League match against Chelsea, while their 13 shots on target is the most the Blues have faced in a league match in that time. Diogo Jota, Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz were the other Liverpool goalscorers with Christopher Nkunku grabbing Chelsea's sole reply.
The cup final will be the third meeting between the clubs this season – the first ended 1-1 on the opening weekend of the campaign – and the Argentine conceded his side will come off second best at Wembley again if they perform like they did on Wednesday.
“I think it is not to find excuses. The performance was not good enough from us. They deserved to win, they were better than us,” he said.
“We didn’t perform in the way we wanted to. In this type of game you need to say ‘well done Liverpool’.
“In the final [next month] we need to compete in a different way. If we compete the same way as today for sure it is going to be the same result.
“For us it is about learning. We are competing against a team that is on the top and is consistent to always be challenging for the big trophies.”
Liverpool v Chelsea ratings
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LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Will have busier first-halves when Chelsea had one attempt on goal and failed to win a single corner. More to do after break but no chance with Nkunku goal. AFP -
Sensational performance. Spraying passes over the away defence in Alexander-Arnold fashion, providing two fine assists and scoring an excellent first goal for club. PA -
Could have conceded early penalty for clumsy challenge on Gallagher. Nice control and ball into box to Jota ahead of attacker winning penalty. Beaten by Nkunku’s quick feat ahead of Chelsea’s substitute’s goal. Getty Images -
One of the Premier League's form defenders but hardly troubled by Chelsea’s woeful attacking efforts until second half triple substitution finally brought the London club to life. PA -
Has excelled as emergency left-back and did not put foot wrong here at Anfield, although he has first-choice Andrew Robertson on the bench and closing in on full fitness. Getty Images -
Looked like he was poised to take first-half penalty only for Nunez to take the ball and miss. World Cup-winner was strong in the tackle and pinged some lovely passes around, including one in run-up to Diaz’s goal. Reuters -
Almost put side 2-0 up but his nice low strike was saved well by Petrovic. Like Bradley, his performances suggest the future looks bright for whoever takes over as manager from Jurgen Klopp. Getty Images -
Glided through game showing off some lovely first touches and his distribution was faultless. Great header from Bradley cross put Liverpool 3-0 up. EPA -
Picked out Bradley with nice pass for young right-back’s unforgettable first goal for club. Drilled shot straight at keeper from tight angle at start of second half but did find net from close range with 11 minutes left. PA -
Bulldozed his way through the Chelsea defence, enjoying a slice of luck along the way, before firing Liverpool into the lead with 13th goal of season. Earned side penalty when taken down by Badiashile only for Nunez to miss from spot. Getty Images -
Five shots in opening 20 minutes, with two of them requiring good stops from Petrovic. Struck post with penalty just before half-time, hit bar with header after break when should have scored - the fourth time he hit woodwork. Great cross to Diaz for fourth goal. AP -
SUBS: (On for Bradley 69’) Such has been the form of the man he replaced, the England full-back has not been missed by the Reds while out injured. AFP -
(On for Jota 69’) Dutchman fired one shot wide of target from edge of area. AP -
(On for Szoboszlai 69’) Hit shot from distance straight at keeper. AFP -
(On for Gomez 69’) Scottish left-back given much-needed game time after injury-hit campaign. Reuters -
(On for Jones 82’) PA -
CHELSEA RATINGS: Unlike his Liverpool counterpart, relentlesssly under pressure as the home side registered 28 attempts on goal with 13 on target. Made numerous good stops and no chance with any of goals in what was dreadful defensive – and attacking, to be fair – Chelsea performance. EPA -
Fourth Chelsea booking in first half which saw away side lose all composure and defensively were all over the place for pretty much the entire 90 minutes. PA -
Should have been stronger with his challenge on Jota ahead of Liverpool opener. Stood on same player’s ankle leading to penalty on edge of half-time that was missed by Nunez. Moved to left-back in second half, skinned by Bradley ahead of third goal and allowed Diaz in for fourth. Getty Images -
Like his defensive partner, will be disappointed with weak tackle attempt on Jota for Portuguese’s goal. Another Blues player guilty of giving ball away cheaply in disastrous opening 45 minutes. The veteran must think about packing it in after a team performance like this. AFP -
Miserable game for captain, gave the ball away far too easily, one of those times leading to Jota scoring, while also being booked for blatant dive looking for penalty. Hooked at break. AP -
Midfielder, who could have joined Liverpool in summer, picked up game’s first booking after 10 minutes for dissent. Gave ball away in run-up to Bradley’s goal. Substitution in second half met with ironic cheers by home fans. PA -
Chelsea’s other central midfielder was also booked in first half, the Argentine’s was for reckless sliding tackle on Jones. Like Caicedo, Enzo’s form is nowhere near justifying the huge sum forked out to bring him to the Stamford Bridge club. PA -
Saw appeals for early penalty after Van Dijk challenge ignored by referee and VAR. That was his biggest contribution as he was also hooked at half-time. Getty Images -
Like rest of Chelsea’s attackers, invisible in first half and one of three players taken off at break - but it could have been anyone in his side, bar the keeper. PA -
Former Liverpool man received his usual jeers from home fans from start to finish and was marked superbly by Bradley in miserable Anfield return. Getty Images -
Technically supposed to be leading the line until Nkunku's introduction but totally anonymous as attacking threat and you could be forgiven for forgetting he was playing at all. EPA -
SUBS: (On for Chilwell 46’) Brought on to try and shore up a defence that was leaking like a sieve but the holes remained and the final scoreline flattered Chelsea. PA -
(On for Gallagher 46’) Not the easiest game for the big-money summer signing, still building up his fitness after injury, to come on in but still produced great footwork and finish to pull score back to 3-1. Reuters -
(On for Madueke 46’) Had glorious chance to pull side back into game minutes after coming on but side-footed first-time shot high over crossbar. AP -
(On for Caicedo 66’) Young midfielder at least helped give Chelsea a little bit of attacking impetus. Getty Images Cesare Casadei : N/A (On for Palmer 85’)
