Reds win Carabao Cup against Chelsea after Kepa penalty shootout drama
SMA NEWS – LONDON
The first piece of silverware of the English football season has gone to Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shootout here at Wembley Stadium, in the Carabao Cup final.
Nothing could separate the teams across 120 minutes, with both sides having a host of chances. At one end, Edouard Mendy was the savior for Chelsea, denying the Reds on multiple occasions brilliantly. Liverpool did get the ball in the net, too, but the wild celebrations in the stands for Joel Matip’s second half header were cut short by a VAR check.
In the opposite box, Mason Mount was the man at the heart of the Blues’ best chances, but missed twice when he should’ve converted. Christian Pulisic also squandered a gilt-edged early opportunity. Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner were introduced to turn the screw, but a couple of offside goals meant it remained scoreless.
To penalties it went, and the narrative was a thing of beauty. Kepa Arrizabalaga – the goalkeeper who refused to be substituted off by Maurizio Sarri in almost identical circumstances in the 2018-19 Carabao Cup final – came on for Mendy as a spot-kick specialist.
All 10 outfielders on both teams converted their penalties, with Kepa and Caoimhin Kelleher powerless. The two men then stepped up to the spot themselves. Kelleher slotted it home, whereas Kepa skied his, sending the Liverpool fans behind that goal delirious.
For Liverpool, attention will now turn to whether they can win an unprecedented quadruple. Part one is done. They are back in the title race, have a commanding lead in their Champions League round-of-16 tie and have seen fellow FA Cup contenders Arsenal and Manchester United go out early. This could well be the season of all seasons for Klopp.
