· 2 min readIn this Liverpool vs Chelsea match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Liverpool and Chelsea came into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup still some way off their best, but with enough quality to progress. Liverpool were coming off a good win over Brighton, while Chelsea were looking to bounce back from their defeat against Tottenham. Despite the London side’s attacking power, defensive frailties remained a problem. With a trophy at stake, both teams named several first-choice players. Neither wanted to be knocked out.
The first half began with little excitement. Liverpool had more of the ball, but lacked the pace and creativity to break down Chelsea’s defence. Nyoni showed quality with some of his ball recoveries and runs, although he misplaced a few important passes. Lewis Koumas, meanwhile, was practically anonymous, having touched the ball just five times by the 35th minute. He’s young, of course, but such limited involvement is difficult to justify.
Chelsea weren’t offering much either. Their first shot came only around the 20th minute, with Moisés Caicedo trying his luck from distance. The game seemed to be heading towards half-time without much happening until, in the 37th minute, Gusto took advantage of the space on the right and played the ball forward. Gravenberch fouled Welbeck inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Morgan Rogers converted in the 40th minute to put Chelsea ahead.
Liverpool responded immediately. In the 42nd minute, Fofana handled the ball inside the box and, after the penalty was awarded, Gakpo finished accurately, giving the goalkeeper no chance. Two penalties in the space of a few minutes changed the scoreline, but did little to disguise a poor first half in terms of open play. By the break, both teams had created very little with the ball in play.
The second half brought a little more quality. Rogers wasted a good opportunity in the 47th minute, while Liverpool began finding space after Barcola and Wirtz came on. Araújo threatened with a header, and Barcola forced a good save from Penders with a low shot. Even so, both teams continued to lack attacking consistency.
Chelsea had their moments too. In the 77th minute, Rogers played Palestra through on the left, but Mamardashvili responded with an excellent save. Three minutes later, Liverpool came very close to scoring. Gakpo sent the ball into the six-yard box and Wirtz was ready to finish, but Colwill produced an extraordinary block. It was a decisive intervention, the kind that can be worth as much as a goal.
With Isak and Mac Allister on the pitch, Liverpool tried to settle the tie in the closing minutes, but the score remained level. The game went to penalties, with tension taking over at Anfield. After several successful efforts, Barco hit the post for Chelsea, while Tsimikas missed the chance to finish the shootout by sending his shot over the bar. The tie remained alive until Mamardashvili saved Emegha’s effort.
Gomez scored for Liverpool to put them 6-5 ahead, and Fofana missed Chelsea’s final penalty, shooting over the bar. Liverpool progressed from a tie that offered more drama than quality. There were some good individual moments, great saves and plenty of nerves, but the football itself fell short of expectations.
Post-match
For teams looking to win trophies, getting through is what matters most. Even so, both sides have plenty of room for improvement.
