Chelsea 0-0 (10-11 on pens.) Liverpool: Player ratings as Reds win first League Cup in 10 years | Carabao Cup 2021-22
Liverpool won the Carabao Cup 2021-22 after seeing off Chelsea 11-10 on penalties.
There was no separating the sides even after 120 minutes of open play. However, both teams came agonizingly close to scoring while seeing a few goals ruled out for offside too.
However, the Reds will still feel they deserved to win as they had 20 shots to Chelsea's 11, six on target to four, kept 56% possession and completed more passes (638 to 544).
Thomas Tuchel's decision to sub Edouard Mendy, who was imperious on the night for Kepa Arrizabalaga, also backfired. The Spaniard couldn't save a penalty and missed one in sudden death, handing their Merseyside rivals the title.
This was Liverpool's ninth success in the competition, more than any side in history, whereas Chelsea lost their second final under the German, having also been defeated in the FA Cup last year.
Here are the player ratings:
Chelsea Player Ratings
Edouard Mendy - 9/10
The Chelsea custodian was colossal in goal, making six incredible saves to keep the tie in the balance.
EDOUARD MENDY IS NOT HUMAN 🤯
One of the best double saves you'll ever see. https://t.co/ha6No0lxje
You have to wonder what Tuchel was thinking before subbing him off as it came to haunt them with his replacement Arrizabalaga missing his penalty in the shootout.
Trevoh Chalobah - 8.5/10
The youngster, too, put on a show on the night. He kept Luis Diaz firmly under wraps and rose to the occasion with a solid display, registering three clearances, three blocked shots, seven interceptions and three tackles.
Trevoh Chalobah’s first half by numbers vs Liverpool:
91% pass accuracy
32 touches
6 ball recoveries
3 interceptions
2 tackles won
2 blocks
1 clearance
Busy afternoon so far. 😅 https://t.co/CiORRVQGyc
Thiago Silva - 8.5/10
The veteran did a phenomenal job once again, displaying courage, grit and excellent reading of the game. He made a staggering 12 clearances on the night and successfully converted from the spot too.
Antonio Rudiger - 7/10
Rudiger stood tall in the face of Liverpool's onslaught but was eclipsed by his defensive counterparts.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7/10
The Spaniard went about his business as usual but was not as key as a few others in the side. He was taken off at half-time.
N'Golo Kante - 7.5/10
Kante was everywhere, breaking down Liverpool's play with aggression and willingness.
Mateo Kovacic - 8/10
Composed, visionary and intelligent, Kovacic was at the top of his game. He made some excellent recoveries and always made the right decision with his passes.
Marcos Alonso - 7/10
He coped with Salah surprisingly well, demonstrated his strength in the air, and read the game nicely too, making seven clearances on the night.
Mason Mount - 6/10
He was menacing with his penetrative runs but missed two great chances in each half.
Kai Havertz - 7.5/10
The 22-year-old's passing and positioning was a thorn in Liverpool's face but was unlucky to see two goals ruled out for offside.
Kai Havertz is the first player to create 5+ chances in an EFL Cup final since David Silva in 2016, also against Liverpool (5).
Left-foot wands. 🪄 https://t.co/EyazKFKgKW
Christian Pulisic - 6.5/10
Captain America missed a good chance early on but faded as the match continued and was eventually subbed.
Substitutes
Reece James - 6/10
The full-back returned from a lengthy injury layoff and looked alright, making a few good runs and winning aerial duels too.
Romelu Lukaku - 6.5/10
Big Rom also saw a goal disallowed for offside but coolly dispatched his penalty in the shootout.
Timo Werner - 6.5/10
He also caused Liverpool problems with his movement and made no mistake from 12 yards.
Jorginho - 6.5/10
The Italian was anonymous from open play but dispatched Chelsea's decisive penalty in the shootout.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 4/10
He could neither save a penalty nor convert his own. A disappointing substitution.
Chelsea players comfort Kepa after his miss 💙 https://t.co/xpfwQX51NA