Five Things We Learned From Liverpool v Chelsea In The Carabao Cup

Liverpool advanced into the Quarter-Final stage of the Carabao Cup, edging past a stubborn Chelsea side on penalties. 

The two sides were very evenly matched, with the only goals of the game coming from the penalty spot.

Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo both converted spot kicks in the first half, and the second half was scrappy and lacking quality in the final third from either side.

What followed was a rollercoaster penalty shootout that resulted in a Reds victory.

Here are five things we learned from this successful cup tie.

Mamardashvili Played A Crucial Role

The Georgian goalkeeper was outstanding for the Reds, especially during the latter stages of the game.

While Mamardashvili’s distribution was questionable at times, his shot-stopping prowess was clear for all to see.

A crucial save late in the game to deny Chelsea a winner, before saving a penalty in the shootout that ultimately secured Liverpool’s place in the quarter-finals.

The Front Line Did Not Work

The three up front for Liverpool had all previously played together; however, the positions/roles that they were all assigned left many scratching their heads.

Rather than playing Lewis Koumas through the middle of the three, he featured on the right-hand side. Rio Ngumoha started on the left, and Cody Gakpo played up front.

Perhaps this was an attempt to add some physicality against a three-at-the-back Chelsea defence, but Gakpo was no match for the physical dominance that the likes of Fofana and Lacroix were able to produce.

Ronald Araujo Was Superb…Again

Many fans are running out of superlatives to describe Ronald Araujo this season, and against Chelsea, he was once again vital in securing the win.

Playing in his more natural centre-back role, the Uruguayan was immense, winning several key aerial duels as well as making some thunderous challenges.

Florian Wirtz's Impact From The Bench

He came off the bench against Villarreal and changed the game for Liverpool, and he had a very similar impact against the Blues.

While a goal wasn’t scored while he was on the pitch, Iraola’s side played a lot better when the German entered the fray.

Three Games Away From Wembley

A big hurdle has been overcome in defeating Chelsea, with Manchester City now the only traditional “top six side” left in the tournament, other than Liverpool.

A cup win early in Andoni Iraola's reign at the club would be huge, something he has gone on record and said himself.

But now a difficult task awaits in the quarter-final as Bournemouth will travel to Anfield and fight for a spot in the semi-finals.

Comment Below: What Was Your Key Takeaway From This Carabao Cup Clash?