Liverpool, as is usual when it comes to cup competitions, elected to take the difficult route through to the next round.
After an early goal from Raheem Sterling, and a second added by Daniel Sturridge it was all going to plan at Anfield at half time. But two second half goals from Notts County threw the game into extra time - something Liverpool and their strong line up could ill afford ahead of a weekend clash against current Premier League champions Manchester United.
Steven Gerrard, Kolo Toure, Daniel Sturridge - they were all named in a very strong Liverpool XI.
Wisdom was given the nod ahead of Agger, Cissokho over Enrique. Ibe, Sterling, Alberto and Allen came in for Aspas, Coutinho, Henderson and Lucas.
After last season's dismal cup campaigns under Brendan Rodgers - it was clear that he wanted to ensure the reds put the game to bed as early as possible, before maybe bringing some players off early in the second half.
And when Raheem Sterling grabbed the games first goal within 4 minutes then the Anfield crowd must have been wondering if the proverbial 'cricket score' was on the cards.
In the 9th minute the first danger signs were there - Aly Cissokho hobbled off after a challenge, forcing Daniel Agger on to the field.
Just on the half hour Liverpool's dominance was rewarded with a second goal. Daniel Sturridge scoring his 3rd goal in his third start of the new season.
In the second half however, the reds slowly started to go off the boil. The chance of an early rest for Gerrard and co disappeared when Arquin snatched one back for County on the hour mark.
Shortly after Henderson was sent on for Joe Allen who also picked up a knock, before the reds final substitution saw Coutinho sent on for Luis Alberto.
With seven minutes remaining of the game, Notts County grabbed the equaliser when they tore through Liverpool's defence.
A further 30 minutes of extra time was to be played.
Things got worse for Liverpool when Kolo Toure was stretched off - forcing the reds to play on with 10 men - all substitutes used up.
But just before the end of the 1st period Daniel Sturridge restored Liverpool's lead. In the second period, Jordan Henderson smashed in Liverpool's 4th to much relief in the stadium and on the red half of the pitch.
Liverpool move in to the third round of the League Cup. But the treatment table will be busy at Anfield.
The game last night typifies Liverpool and as in our first two league games we allowed Villa and Stoke back in the games, when we are on top we look very good and dominate, but it doesn’t last and we don’t seem to able to put teams away and I just feel that in every game the opposing team is going get back into the match just because we can’t maintain game for 90 minutes