Fofana ends penalty shoot-out drama at Anfield: Liverpool knock Chelsea out of the League Cup

In the League Cup, Liverpool and Chelsea were evenly matched for long stretches – there were practically no chances in the first half, but there were goals. The score was 1–1 at half-time, and the match eventually went to a penalty shoot-out. It turned into a drama in which Fofana miserably missed the decisive spot-kick.

Following the 2–0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion – their fourth victory in a row – Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola decided to give numerous players a breather and brought in eight new faces to the starting line-up. Only van Dijk, Gravenberch and Gakpo retained their places in the rotation.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso took a slightly more cautious approach, making just four changes from the 0–2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur: Gusto, Fofana, Lavia and Welbeck came in for Colwill, Hato, Palmer and Geovany Quenda. Tactically, the Blues’ game plan became clear quite quickly: to let Liverpool take the initiative and to rely on winning the ball back and launching resulting counter-attacks.

Two penalties and an injury

It didn’t really work out, as both teams proved to be very solid defensively but lacked creativity going forward. The teams wore themselves out in intense duels between the penalty areas, but were far too sloppy in the final third. Coupled with alert defensive lines, this consequently led to a match with few chances.

Goals were scored nonetheless – both from the penalty spot: First, Gravenberch brought down Caicedo with a sliding tackle in his own penalty area, conceding a clear penalty which Rogers converted confidently; curiously, former Liverpool player Henderson had initially taken the ball, but then, following an extremely loud chorus of boos, passed it on to his teammate after all (40’). The score remained 1–1 at half-time, though Lacroix did not see out the first half on the pitch. The former Wolfsburg player had sustained an injury to his left hamstring in a running duel with Gakpo and had to be substituted early on for Colwill (45+1).

Wirtz also lacked luck

After the break, an entertaining, open and therefore thrilling contest unfolded between two teams who were evenly matched. Unlike in the first half, there were now more clear-cut chances. However, Chelsea goalkeeper Penders was on hand to deny Araujo (61’) and Barcola (65’), whilst at the other end, Rogers first stumbled (47’) and was later blocked by Gomez (61’).

With Mamardashvili also making a superb save against Palestro (78’) and Wirtz’s swivelling shot being blocked by Colwill (80’), the score remained 1–1 after 90 minutes, meaning the match had to be decided on penalties. This turned into a real drama:
The first eight takers, including Wirtz, all converted confidently, then Chelsea’s Barco chipped the ball onto the left-hand post, before Tsimikas squandered the chance to seal the win by blasting the ball into the stands. Henderson, Barcola and Colwill converted, before Penders saved from Gravenberch and Mamardashvili subsequently saved from Emegha.

Gomez put the Reds back in the driving seat, whilst Fofana thundered his attempt miserably into the Liverpool night sky towards The Kop, thereby sealing the Blues’ elimination. Chelsea FC face a home match against Manchester United this coming Saturday (1.30 pm), whilst Liverpool have a cracker against champions Arsenal at Anfield the following day – kick-off is at 5.30 pm.