Liverpool were crowned the Carabao Cup champions with a win over Chelsea in Sunday’s Wembley showdown following a tense penalty shootout that followed a nil-nil affair.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The clash got off to a flying start on both ends of the pitch but Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher had to be forced into action deny Christian Pulisic from finding the opener.
Luis Diaz was ever present in the final third of the pitch as the Columbian’s pace caused the Chelsea backline plenty of problems despite no real threat on goal.
Chelsea goalie Edouard Mendy proved to be a saviour for his side with two saves in quick succession to deny Naby Keita and Sadio Mane around the half hour mark.
Mason Mount went close to netting the opening goal on either side of the half time interval but poor finishing let the England international down with both sides on the hunt for the breakthrough.
Liverpool appeared to have taken the lead through Joel Matip’s header but the celebrations were short lived as a VAR check chalked off the goal.
Kai Havertz saw a back-post header deemed ineligible due to offside with the game heading into extra time where Chelsea had two more attempts, through Lukaku and Havertz again, flagged offside.
The final went to the shootout and none of Liverpool’s 11 players missed their chance from the spot while Chelsea stopper Kepa, who had placed Mendy for the final stages, sent his effort flying over the bar to hand Liverpool the win.
