Liverpool and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation, and Joe Gomez kicked the decisive penalty in a dramatic shootout 6-5. As a result, Liverpool advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Andoni Iraola’s former club, Bournemouth, during the week of December 14th. Read the boss’ reaction to the result, his thoughts on facing his former club, and our pick for the standout performer of the game.
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The boss was obviously pleased that Liverpool are advancing to the next round. He said as much in his post-match press conference following the game.
“At the end in the cup competitions, what matters is that you are in the next round and you are in the draw,” Iraola said. “Lucky for us, finishing the right side of the penalty shootout. I finish pleased because the players have done a very big effort today, and at least we get the reward of being in the quarter-finals.”
1. Standout performer and selection impact
Gorgi Mamardashvili was our selection for Man Of The Match for his performance in the penalty shootout, but several players helped the Reds reach that point. Youngster Trey Nyoni was masterful in the midfield, delivering several passes in the final third that Liverpool just could not convert into goals. It was his best game in a Liverpool shirt so I definitely see more key minutes and a bigger role with the club this season and in the future. With stalwarts like Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai already in the midfield, having a player like Nyoni only adds impressive deapth to the club
2. Tactical turning point
The turning point came when Iraola decided to put Liverpool’s best strikers on the pitch late in case of a penalty shootout. Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, and Bradley Barcola all provided unsavable PKs which sealed Liverpool’s spot in the next round. It was a calculated risk by Iraola, particularly with Arsenal coming on the weekend, but it paid off in a in a big way.
3. What Andoni Iraola Says & Next Up
As happy as he is with advancing, Iraola does not relish facing Bournemouth in the next round of the Carabao Cup a team Liverpool has already beaten this season.
” I was talking before the draw and I said, ‘The only team I don’t want is Bournemouth…’ For me, it’s special. They know me very well, they are playing very well lately, in a good moment. But it is what it is. We haven’t been very lucky with the draws – we have played Spurs and Chelsea already and now Bournemouth. That is going to be obviously special for me. But we have to earn the right to be in the semi-finals and I hope we can do it here at home again.”
As for the EPL, Liverpool will host defending champion Arsenal at Anfield on November 1st.
LFC Globe Verdict
This was a big result for Liverpool. The pundits are overlooking the Reds so far this season, but they have only lost one match in all competitions. Liverpool do not look as flashy as they have in past seasons with players soaking up the spotlight, but they somehow always seem to get the job done, no matter what. I’m excited to see where the rest of this season’s journey takes us.
Have your say
What are your thoughts on the win? Do you agree with Iraola’s move to bring the strikers on late with Arsenal looming? Let us know below.
| Statistic | Liverpool | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52 | 48 |
| Shots | 10 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 4 |
| Corners | 7 | 5 |
| Fouls | 12 | 9 |
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Match preview
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