In the final analysis, it was impossible not to zero in on the moment when Zack Steffen wished he could be anywhere but here and Liverpool had a vice-like grip on this FA Cup semi-final that it was difficult to see them relinquishing.
Poor Steffen. Pep Guardiola had wanted to show his faith in the domestic cup goalkeeper but it all went wrong for the USA No 1 and Manchester City in the 17th minute. Addressing a routine back-pass and under the usual orders to play out, Ederson-style, from the back, Steffen took a heavy first touch and, after some hesitation, an even heavier second one.