5 Chelsea players who underperformed against Liverpool | EFL Cup Final 2021-22
Having brushed aside Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals, Chelsea took on Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday evening.
Thomas Tuchel’s men carved out numerous opportunities to win the game, but could not find a breakthrough. Ultimately, the match went to penalties, where the Blues missed the last spot-kick to hand Liverpool the title.
The west Londoners dealt with the Reds’ frantic high-press expertly in the opening minutes and got their first chance of the match inside 10 minutes. Unfortunately, Christian Pulisic could not apply the finishing touch to give his side the lead.
Five minutes before half-time, Cesar Azpilicueta had an opportunity to find the back of the net, but skied his effort over the bar.
Mason Mount added to the Blues’ frustration, missing two great chances to put his side ahead in the second half. Kai Havertz did ripple Liverpool’s netting in the second half, but the goal was ultimately ruled out for offside by the VAR.
Romelu Lukaku came agonizingly close to winning the game for Chelsea in added injury time, but Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was up to the task.
Two more goals were ruled out for Chelsea in extra-time before the game, still goalless, went into penalties. Every player in blue converted from the spot, except substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who ended up missing the all-important final spot-kick. His miss helped Liverpool bag their first trophy of the season.
Here are five Chelsea players who underperformed in Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Liverpool:
#5 Timo Werner
Timo Werner was introduced in place of Christian Pulisic in the 74th minute.
The German worked hard to help his team, but just could not provide the penetration the Londoners required.
I sometimes watch Aubameyang play football and asks myself is this the same sport that troubles Lukaku and Timo Werner?
Aside from setting Kai Havertz up for his disallowed goal, Werner did not do anything of note. The forward made only 12 passes, had zero efforts on target, and lost possession six times.
He did convert his penalty, but Kelleher was mighty close to keeping it out.
#4 Christian Pulisic
The first big chance of the EFL Cup final fell to Christian Pulisic in the sixth minute. With acres of space to aim for on his left, Pulisic somehow managed to direct his effort straight at Kelleher.
Had the American kept his cool, the Blues could have had the perfect start against one of the best teams in the world.
HOW DID PULISIC MISS?! 🤯
What an opportunity to give Chelsea an early 1-0 lead in the Carabao Cup final https://t.co/hflgj14BaM
The forward made only eight passes in 74 minutes, lost four duels and possession 13 times. A night to forget for the USA international.