The are jubitaling as if the win the Champions League, Let’s see how they win the Premier League, VAR cheated, or they won’t have a tongue to celebrate now: Chelsea Manager Pochettino Send Strong message warning to Jürgen Klopp after VAR rough decision to give Liverpool the win yesterday
Virgil van Dijk’s header late into extra time won the Carabao Cup for Liverpool, breaking Chelsea’s hearts.
The Reds captain headed in a Kostas Tsimikas corner in the 118th minute, sparking euphoric scenes after having a goal disallowed by VAR.
In a tight final, Chelsea almost took the lead after 20 minutes, but Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher expertly denied Cole Palmer, while Raheem Sterling’s goal for Chelsea was called out because Nicolas Jackson was offside.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo then hit the post with a header, while the Reds were denied what they felt was the opener when VAR judged Van Dijk’s header against Wataru Endo as offside.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher hit the post as the Blues fought for a win in normal time against a depleted Liverpool side that threw on several teenagers due to injuries to many of their senior players.
Harvey Elliott blasted into the side netting, and teenager Jayden Danns had a header tipped over in extra time, before Djordje Petrovic saved Elliott’s close-range header well. Here are the main talking points.
1. Klopp’s quadruple quest continues.
Only he knows how they did it, but despite being deprived of so many players and finishing the match with a remarkably young side that included Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jarell Quansah, and Danns – who only made his professional debut on Wednesday – Jurgen Klopp’s side won the first of what could be four trophies this season.
This was a determined effort full of energy and a will to win that Klopp has established in the club since his arrival in 2015, and it will be extremely difficult to replace when he departs. The classic adage about turning doubters into believers was on full display here, as did his ability to persuade this club.
2. Liverpool’s list of absences is outrageous.
There was some hope, albeit fleeting, that Mo Salah would be included in the Liverpool team after being photographed on the Wembley turf conversing with his good buddy Kostas Tsimikas prior to the match, but his role was always set to be a spectator.
Klopp’s two changes from the 4-1 win over Luton – Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate in for Joe Gomez and Quansah – strengthened his team, but Salah’s absence is only the tip of an injury iceberg, and it was surprising to see a Liverpool teamsheet for a major final with so many youngsters on the bench, given those who were absent here.
Another would soon join the list of the walking wounded when Ryan Gravenberch was taken off on a stretcher after a scary challenge from Moises Caicedo, and with so many vital players missing, it was clear that this Liverpool day would be more about desire than delicate football.
3. Chelsea grew into the game.
Chelsea would understand that if everyone was fit and available on both sides, they would be enormous underdogs here; after all, they were soundly defeated by a far stronger Liverpool side at Anfield just three and a half weeks ago.
But, after taking their time figuring out what type of Liverpool they were facing, they grew into the game and would have lead if Kelleher hadn’t made a fantastic stop to deny Palmer in the 20th minute.
Sterling’s close-range effort was chalked out for Jackson’s offside immediately after, and Chelsea’s players appeared to grow taller as the game progressed. Gakpo’s header, which hit the post, could have put Liverpool ahead, but the Blues appeared to pose the greater threat.
4. Conor Bradley has the fight to reach the top.
If there is one positive outcome from Liverpool’s injury problems, it is Conor Bradley. The Northern Irish kid would have been seen earlier in the season if not for his own injury, but since joining the team at the turn of the year, he appears to have been there all along.
Bradley was forced to go more forward following Gravenberch’s injury, and while he’ll never be Salah in that position, he was always a willing runner attempting to worry Ben Chilwell – quite literally when the two collided towards the conclusion of the half. Klopp will not be present to see Bradley flourish, but he is leaving behind a fantastic asset for whoever succeeds him.
5. VAR rejects VVD, until it doesn’t.
It’s safe to argue that the Liverpool captain’s header on the hour mark would have stood without the intrusion of technology, which brings us back to the ongoing discussion concerning video assistant referees. Is this truly what we want them for? It definitely felt like a goal, and in this case, we have to assume that Endo’s offside position is more relevant than Chilwell yanking Van Dijk’s shirt. But is it really? Who knows anymore.
Whatever, the Dutchman would have his golden moment regardless. There is no denying him, and there may be no denying Liverpool.