Liverpool 1 – 1 Chelsea – EFL Cup Player Ratings (6-5 After Penalties)

The Reds hosted Chelsea in the EFL Cup return as both sides fought for a place in the last eight. After penalties, Liverpool progressed with a 6-5 tally.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8.0

The giant Georgian stopper was unable to save the spot kick, which was his first involvement of note in the game.

After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was well placed to make solid contributions. Some really impressive saves.

Ronald Araújo – 8.0

The Brazil international was solid defensively; however, he lacked composure on the ball and opted for safety first throughout the half.

When the match resumed, the former La Liga star was close with a bullet header as he continued to show his power.

man of the match

Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0

The Greek international was lacking at times and struggled to make a real difference from decent areas.

After the break, the veteran full-back was reliable and steady in his work. Delivered one exceptional cross that nearly created a goal.

Joe Gomez – 7.0

The England international was decent on the ball and looked to progress the ball on the right flank.

In the second half, the versatile defender was brilliant in blocking a Rogers effort. Solid.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of the team was always aerially dominant and his attempt on goal from a corner created the handball which led to the equaliser.

After the intermission, the former Celtic man was solid and organised before leaving the field.

Subbed – 71 mins

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

The Dutch international was always a step behind and looked unable to make an impression on the game, until the poor challenge which led to a penalty.

After the intermission, the midfield man was lacking in good decisions, with his final pass limited.

Trey Nyoni – 8.0

The England under-18 international was a little rushed and perhaps dropped too deep at times to try and control possession.

When the match resumed, the former academy star was far more involved and his confidence grew with every passage of play.

Subbed – 81 mins

James McConnell – 6.0

The versatile midfielder was reliable if unspectacular as he struggled to stamp authority on the game.

After the restart, the former academy man was soon replaced.

Subbed – 58 mins

Lewis Koumas – 6.0

The Wales international was at times overzealous in his pressing as he tried to make an impact off the ball.

In the second half, the powerful runner was unable to make an impression in the final third.

Subbed – 58 mins

Rio Ngumoha – 7.0

The English winger was crowded out on the left and failed to make any impact in a frustrating half.

After the break, the prodigy was more incisive and grew into the game with dribbling and unpredictable play.

Subbed – 81 mins

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch player was physical and aggressive in the press, with a well-taken spot kick getting his side level before the break.

After the intermission, the former PSV man was

Substitutions;

Bradley Barcola – 7.0 (on 58)

Came on to inject pace and strike well from distance, as the effort was turned round the post.

Florian Wirtz – 6.0 (on 58)

Came on to try and unlock the opposition defence.

Jérémy Jacquet – 7.0 (on 62)

Came on to offer more energy and looked both strong and composed.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 81)

Came on to add control.

Alexander Isak – 5.0 (on 81)

Came on but failed to make an impression.

The Manager;

Andoni Iraola – 7.0

The starting lineup was adjusted with key youngsters drafted in for the senior players who require management on minutes.

The second-half substitutes were needed to refresh the attack.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 3 – 2 Chelsea