Capital One Cup final : Liverpool 1- 1 Manchester City (City win 1-3 on penalties): Five Talking Points
The Capital One Cup may be the least glamorous domestic trophy in English football, but it was quite likely the best chance for silverware this term for Liverpool and Manchester City. Liverpool are off the pace in the League, and an arduous Europa League campaign apart, this was Jurgen Klopp’s best chance of giving fans some much needed joy in what is to be long rebuild operation.Pellegrini on the other hand is confirmed to leave City at the end of the season, and the veteran Chilean seeing his side wilt to the fourth spot in the League would hope to deliver at least one more trophy before he is replaced by Pep Guardiola. Manchester City had the lion’s share of chances, but it was a little luck and some great goalkeeping from both keepers to keep it 1-1 till the end of 90 minutes. Mignolet again conceded a howler but made amends with good saves, but he was far outshone by his opposite number Caballero who was brilliant all match and stopped three penalties in the shootout to hand City the title.
#1 Goalkeepers shine under the arch
The iconic Wembley stadium set the stage for the Capital One Cup final, and the two players in focus are Willy Caballero and Simon Mignolet.
The former, though being the designated cup keeper, resisted calls from the fans prior to the game who wanted Joe Hart to start. But Caballero has had a long relationship with Pellegrini, who has continuously reposed his faith in him. Today, it all paid off as Caballero put in an absolute world-class performance to hand Pellegrini a trophy in his final season, City’s second Capital One Cup in three seasons.
On the other hand though, it seemed to be much the familiar story from Simon Mignolet, who having produced a wonderful save before, conceded to Fernandinho to hand City the initiative. However, he redeemed himself by making vital saves to ensure that Liverpool had a fighting chance. Sadly, he was far outshone by Caballero in the penalty shoot-out.
Caballero may have secured his place as City’s second goalkeeper for Pep’s reign by this performance, but Klopp may still focus on acquiring a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.