Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool emerged winners in the high-octane Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea. Virgil Van Dijk’s header in the dying stages of the game proved to be a match winner for the Reds.
Klopp lifted another trophy in his highly illustrious Anfield career and he has lifted yet another titles in what turns out to be his final season in charge of the club.
Both teams suffered from unlucky VAR decisions which could have turned the game in any club’s favor. It looked liked the game could move towards penalties, however, captain Van Dijk had other plans.
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The Dutchman’s goal helped the Anfield outfit lift their 10th EFL Cup and solidify their status as one of the most successful teams in the competition.
Meanwhile, its a heartbreak for Chelsea and especially Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine’s wait for his first trophy in England continues for now.
The game was intense in the opening minutes and both keepers were pretty active in front of the nets.
Blues’ keeper Djordje Petrovic was tested a number of times by Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz, while Reds’ shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher had to be at his best to deny Cole Palmer from close-range.
The game continued to provide opportunities for both sides, with Raheem Sterling’s goal ruled out as offside by the VAR. The technology further created another controversy.
Dutch star Van Dijk’s headed goal from a free-kick was disallowed. It was claimed that midfielder Wataru Endo was blocking Levi Colwill’s run.
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The momentum again shifted to the Blues’ momentum as Gallagher hit the woodwork yet again.
Gallagher missed another golden opportunity as he failed to score through an onrushing Kelleher, and this time Palmer again turned out to be the provider.
Liverpool were holding on to the game until it moved to extra time. As the game progressed to the final stages of the match, Petrovic stopped Harvey Elliott’s close-range header with his leg near the post.
However, the title winning moment arrived with just two minutes left in extra time when defender Van Dijk, once again rising to the occasion.
He scored the lone goal from a corner and it sparked jubilation among the fans.
Manager Klopp’s words after the match:
As quoted by Sky Sports, the boss said:
“What happened here this afternoon is absolutely insane. These things are not possible.”
“Besides, we had a team, a squad with an academy full of character. It’s unbelievable what happened here. I’m so proud that I could be part of it. Wow. Apparently you don’t win trophies with kids, I didn’t know that.”
“It is easily the most special trophy I’ve ever won. It’s absolutely exceptional. I wish I could feel pride more often, tonight that’s the overwhelming feeling.”
The captain to the rescue in the finals:
Dutch star Virgil van Dijk has embraced the role of captain for Liverpool after some mediocre performances last season.
This time he has shown a return to his top form through vital contributions in both attack and defense. He commanded the team well, a team which had to field young players like Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns, and James McConnell.
The centre-back led by example, ensuring that Liverpool’s much changed line-up get away to extra-time and keep the game tight until the very last minute.
It is no doubt that the 32-year-old has strong presence in set-pieces.
Van Dijk’s well-executed header late in the game secured an unexpected victory, which also made him the man of the match.
Jurgen Klopp’s team affected by VAR decisions yet again:
The Reds won’t be pleased by the VAR’s decision to rule out Van Dijk’s header in the second-half of the game. It was a close call, but a very controversial one.
Chelsea had an issue of their own, but Klopp’s side had a rather more close.
Van Dijk scored a header from Andrew Robertson’s delivery, but the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review. Endo was said to be offside and appeared to interfere with play by affecting Levi Colwill’s run.
The game would have been a nightmare for the fans, if the team had failed to lift the title.
In the end, Klopp and his side made sure that they take matters into their own hands.
Liverpool have a long injury list to settle:
The English giants had to add more name in their growing injury list as midfielder Ryan Gravenberch suffered an injury following a late challenge by Moises Caicedo.
The Dutchman had to be stretchered off, forcing the manager to reshuffle his team.
While Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Darwin Nunez are expected back for the FA Cup clash with Southampton, this game added to the club’s injury woes.
The club has to assess Gravenberch injury and how serious is it. It remains to be seen how does this affect Liverpool’s plans going forward.
Klopp aiming to lift more trophies in his final season in charge:
The German manager has already announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. The team would be fighting for every game to make sure that the manager gets a well deserved farewell.
Adding trophies would be the most important job to do and until now they have fared really well. Klopp executed his plans well, rotated his squad when needed and didn’t hesitate while fielding young players.
The risky moves turned out to be game changers and it further highlights the experience and class of the legendary manager.
Klopp would now look forward to lift the Premier League titles as they are currently leading the table ahead of Man City and Arsenal.
They also have the Europa League title in their sights as they are favorites to lift the title alongside Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.
