Liverpool win Carabao Cup final beating Chelsea

The Report Desk

Published: February 28, 2022, 11:08 AM

Liverpool win Carabao Cup final beating Chelsea

It was a move from Thomas Tuchel that had worked before. In the European Super Cup final at the start of the season against Villarreal, the Chelsea manager had brought on Kepa Arrizabalaga for the penalty shootout. Arrizabalaga saved two and Chelsea won.

The goalkeeper had been the hero of two shootout victories earlier in this edition of the Carabao Cup, saving once apiece against Aston Villa and Southampton, having started both ties, and he even made a crucial penalty save in extra time to secure the 2-1 FA Cup win over Plymouth earlier this month.

This time, it all went wrong for him and Tuchel.

The final had been pulsating, featuring big chances at both ends, dramatic saves and disallowed goals – with VAR making its presence felt on two occasions.

With penalties looming, Tuchel hooked Édouard Mendy, who had excelled, and introduced Arrizabalaga.

The psychology was interesting and it was always going to be laced with risk.

Arrizabalaga had started in every round of the competition and so to be dropped for the final had to have stung.

Moreover, it is known that Chelsea will entertain offers for him in the summer. This was the acid test of his professionalism.

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