Fabinho Liverpool
Fabinho Liverpool

Liverpool and Chelsea traded blows for 120 minutes and then into the penalty shootout on Sunday only for the Reds to win the Carabao Cup after 22 penalties.

Both the sides were so evenly matched that it was Kepa’s missed spot-kick deep into the shootout which was finally able to separate both the sides. This was easily one of the best 0-0 we have seen in a really long time and it was pretty evident that Tuchel and Klopp’s plans cancelled each other out.

Joe Matip did put the ball into the net only to be ruled out by VAR and even players like Sadio Mane and Naby Keita got chances to score but Edouard Mendy successfully shut them out.

Liverpool did have the upper hand for most of the 90 minutes but as the match rolled into extra time, Jurgen Klopp clearly advised his players not to take too many risks, thereby allowing Chelsea to come into the game.

This is a huge win for Liverpool especially since they are breathing down the neck of Manchester City in the Premier League title race and a silveware during the middle of the season will give them an added boost to chase down Pep Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool players ratings:

DEFENCE:

Kelleher: 8.4/10

He started ahead of Alisson and the 23-year-old made several good saves during the match and then kept his nerve when he had to take the 21st penalty of the match.

Joel Matip: 7.4/10

He did score a goal but VAR ruled it out and other than that Matip did really well to keep Kai Havertz in check for the 91 minutes he was on the pitch.

Matip made two blocks and two recoveries.

Van Dijk: 7.7/10

The Dutch international was cool and composed as ever, winning almost 70% of the contested ground duels as well as the ariel duels.

Alexander-Arnold: 8.7/10

The right-back was easily the standout player for Liverpool on Sunday. He made four clearances, three interceptions and seven recoveries during the match and at the same time, he had 103 touches in the attacking areas.

Robertson: 7.3/10

Robertson was also rock-solid but his crosses and long balls were not on point during the night.

MIDFIELD:

Fabinho: 7.2/10

The defensive midfield made as many as nine recoveries but players like Mason Mount and Kovacic got the better of the Brazilian several times.

Naby Keita: 6.6/10

Keita had a long-ranger saved by Mendy but he was also lucky to escape a red card after his high tackle caught Chalobah in a delicate position.

Jordan Henderson: 6.2/10

Hendo was one of the poorer players in the side so he lasted only 79 minutes on the pitch.

ATTACK:

Luis Diaz: 7/10

Diaz ran his socks off for the 97 minutes he was on the pitch but by the end, he was running on fumes. The 25-year-old is shaping up to be a really interesting player for Liverpool.

Mo Salah: 6.8/10

He had three of his shots blocked but the Egyptian also missed a big chance.

Sadio Mane: 7.2/10

Mane should have put the ball into the back of the net in the first half only to de denied by his national teammate. He was playing as the centre-forward on Sunday and was also the first attacker to be taken off.

SUBSTITUTES:

Harvey Elliot: N/A

Converted from the spot and also shoved Kai Havertz during an argument. Other than that he didn’t do anything noteworthy.

Jota: 5.8/10

He had one shot blocked but had only 18 touches in the attacking areas despite playing for 40 minutes.

James Milner: N/A

Konate: 6/10

After replacing Joel Matip, Konate had the job of keeping Romelu Lukaku at bay and the 22-year-old did a very good job.

Divock Origi: N/A

Read: Chelsea players ratings vs Liverpool – Carabao Cup.

Stats courtesy Fotmob

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