Wayne Lumbasi
Liverpool have won the English League Cup for a record ninth time as they edged out Chelsea 11-10 in an incredible penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw at Wembley on Sunday.
The two heavyweights could not be separated in an enthralling showpiece full of free-flowing attacking football and chances with four goals chalked off for offside. After 21 successful penalties, the final was decided when Chelsea’s substitute keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga ballooned his effort over the crossbar. Victory for Liverpool marked the first domestic Cup triumph for their German manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Blues were on top in a frantic opening to the game but Liverpool soon gained control. Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy kept his side in it as he produced a stunning double save to prevent Sadio Mane from point-blank range.
Mason Mount then had a huge chance moments before half-time but skewed his volley wide after being found by Kai Havertz in the box, as the sides went into the break level.
Chelsea were mostly a threat on the counter attack with Mason Mount going close either side of half time with his second chance hitting the post. Mohamed Salah then wasted a clear-cut opening for the Reds before Joel Matip had a header chalked off for a foul and offside following a VAR intervention.
Caoimhin Kelleher and Edouard Mendy were arguably the stars of the show, however it was Kepa who missed the decisive spot kick in the shootout after coming on in the 119th minute of the game.
Thomas Tuchel said that he doesn’t blame Kepa for missing the penalty in the shootout defeat to Liverpool. Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said:
“We feel bad for him, of course. It was a bit harsh that he was the guy to miss the one and only penalty but there is no blame.”
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