A gift that keeps on giving with players in Red, who were slated as not giving 100% for the shirt, were shown up by Frank Lampards Championship side, Derby County. Meanwhile, 160 miles south, Manchester City's youth and fringe players were securing the win in a very comprehensive victory.
It wasn't always as convincing as you might expect the Premier League champions to have been, but it was a side packed with youth and players looking in on the first team from the sidelines. So how did the players rate at the final whistle.
Muric - 7.
The one rush of blood to the head aside, he had a decent game. A clean sheet is an obvious plus point, but he only faced one shot, and that was off target. He will, no doubt, have tougher fixtures ahead but it will do his confidence good that he came through this as he did.
Danilo - 7.
Not too bad of a return for the Brazilian, although it was nothing to worry Kyle Walker. Loose passes and shots from outside the area keeps the ex Tottenham man's position safe.
Kompany - 7.
Solid at the back as you would expect. Again, it wasn't he toughest of tests in the end, when you consider the threat Oxford actually posed.
Otamendi - 8.
Got marked above Vinny and the other defensive players because he did make a couple of attack breaking tackles.
Zinchenko - 7.
The Ukranian was on the fringes of the squad in pre-season but went to America with the side. He also turned down an offer to join Wolves and maybe it could prove a good decision. Certainly a similar decision from Fabian Delph last season proved beneficial.
Stones - 6.
Being tried out in the Fernandinho role it wasn't an instant success. Finding himself slipping back into his usual role, at points he was man marking their number 10. However, as the game went on, he improved. Certainly you wouldn't bet against him being in that position at various games throughout the season.
Foden - 9.
For me, man of the match. Missed that chance in the second half but did eventually get his goal. A beautiful defense splitting pass to Mahrez gave City breathing space and secured the victory. Admirers of Foden included the opposition manager giving the young man plenty of praise. And it's true, had the pass been dispatched by David Silva, Eden Hazard or even the real Iniesta, we would have been in awe. Add to that the composure in which he dispatched the third goal and we have a very exciting prospect for the future.
Silva - 7.
Always good when you have this guy on the field. Came off with a little over an hour gone for Ilkay Gundogan with the score still precarious at 1-0.
Mahrez - 8.
Growing into his new side, and got another goal to boot. Substituted with only minutes left, just to give 17 year old Bernabe a kick around.
Diaz - 7.
Full of skill, and looked dangerous on the ball. A knock early in the second half saw him removed for Raheem. It was a shame because it is entirely possible, given how the game ended, he may have got his own name on the score sheet.
Jesus - 7.
Got himself on the score sheet, which should have boosted his confidence. However he seemed to drift into the shadows of the game. Full of running, I'm not questioning that, but he needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
Sterling (on 55) - 7.
An earlier than anticipated introduction for Raheem who caused a few problems down the left hand side.
Gundogan (on 63) - 6.
Got a decent run out and built on his good performance from the weekend. Will he get the start this weekend against Brighton? Maybe.
Bernabe (on 86) - N/A.
Good for the youngster to get a taste of first team action, even if it was only a few moments. The build up, his warm up and introduction will all lessen the nerves next time.
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