Player Ratings: Chelsea 0-1 (AET) Liverpool | Carabao Cup Final

Chelsea lost 1-0 against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final after a disappointing performance in extra-time from Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

It was a game that Chelsea began nervously, with several misplaced passes or sloppy touches allowing Liverpool the momentum.

However, Pochettino’s side looked like they could hurt the opposition on the break, and they came extremely close to scoring the opener through Cole Palmer, whose close-range effort was incredibly saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

That chance did calm the Chelsea team down, though, and they started to put better passages of play together, including one time where the ball was put into the back of the net.

Nicolas Jackson was played in behind the Liverpool backline and played a low cross to Raheem Sterling, who scored with his first touch, but the play was brought back by VAR for an agonisingly close offside call similar to the one on Romelu Lukaku in the 2022 final.

Liverpool’s response came in the form of a Cody Gakpo header that kissed Djordje Petrovic’s right-hand post and went out. It was another Liverpool chance which came through a mistake in Chelsea’s build-up.

In the second half, Pochetinno’s side were again dangerous on the counter-attack, and Enzo Fernandez would’ve been kicking himself after he attempted a backheel shot with two teammates in free positions in the penalty area.

Chelsea were fortunate to see a VAR decision go in their favour when VAR chalked off Virgil van Dijk’s headed goal after Endo was deemed to be interfering with play in an offside position by blocking off Levi Colwill.

Both teams would go on to have chances but could not convert, with the more favourable ones coming to Chelsea.

The full-time whistle was blown, and extra time came forth, which saw Chelsea drop off despite ending the 90 minutes in control.

Their performance in extra time was extremely disappointing, and when Van Dijk headed in the winner with minutes to go, they could not complain.

Pochettino will be questioned for his decision to bring off Jackson, and the approach that his side took in extra-time.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance.

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Starting XI:

Djordje Petrovic – 7/10

Some impressive saves in normal time. Couldn’t do anything about the goal.

Malo Gusto – 8/10

He had some really sloppy touches at points, but other than those, he had a really solid game, especially defensively against the tricky Luis Diaz.

Alex Disasi – 6/10

A really mixed game from the centre-back on the ball. He made some brilliant passes at times but also other attempts were unsuccessful and really put his team under pressure. Out of possession, he was more impressive. Couldn’t keep up with Van Dijk for the goal.

Levi Colwill – 6.5/10

An early mistake on the ball gifted Liverpool a great chance, but then he would go on to make a goal-saving block on the turn of half-time. Better in the second half but like many, seemed to crumble in extra time.

Ben Chilwell – 6/10

For some reason, he was marking Virgil van Dijk ahead of the disallowed goal. Struggled at times with Liverpool’s right side of attack but also some important interceptions.

Moises Caicedo – 6/10

It was an underwhelming game in possession, and he somehow escaped a booking in the game. Improved later on and in extra-time, however.

Enzo Fernandez – 6/10

An average performance in the middle today. Some really bright moments but they did not come quite often enough.

Conor Gallagher – 7/10 (97′)

He was involved in a lot of the good that came from Chelsea going forward and was relentless in his pressing out of possession. However, he missed at least three golden opportunities to give Chelsea the lead.

Cole Palmer – 7.5/10

Barring his early chance that he probably should have scored, Palmer was silky and calm in possession which really benefited the Chelsea team throughout nervy periods.

Nicolas Jackson – 7.5/10 (90′)

The striker worked hard in the transitional moments and helped create several big chances for Chelsea, which his teammates could not convert. A solid performance. After his exit, Chelsea rarely threatened like they did beforehand.

Raheem Sterling – 5/10 (67′)

Apart from his offside goal, the England international was quite anonymous throughout and failed to make much of an impact before he was subbed off.

Bench:

Christopher Nkunku – 6/10 (67′)

An OK performance from the bench, but he simply couldn’t provide the direct problems which Jackson caused Liverpool’s backline.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 4/10 (90′)

Terrible at the front post for the Liverpool goal. He didn’t look ready for it and barely challenged Van Dijk.

Noni Maduake – 5/10 (97′)

Some direct running without the end product.

Trevoh Chalobah – 5/10 (113′)

Minimal impact coming into the game so late.