The 2024 Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool was anticipated by the supporters of both sides and the neutrals as it was the first trophy of the season.
Liverpool came into this game depleted having most of its first players injured but they had a bit of confidence following their 4-1 victory over the Blues in the Premier League at Anfield. The Reds will also be looking to win the first of the four trophies available for them this season while Chelsea needed the trophy to see them book a spot in the UEFA Conference League next season ( 2024/25).
Here are the five talking points from the game;
(1) VAR:
The video assistant referee has caused a lot of debate among football fans most especially in England. The major controversy of the game between Chelsea and Liverpool was Moises Caicedo's foul on Gravenberch which was not seen as dangerous play by the VAR. The other talking point about VAR was Van Dijk's goal was ruled out for offside.
(2) Petrovic and Keheller:
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Both goalkeepers gave an excellent performance in the match, the duo made world-class saves which gave the viewers their money's worth. This is good for both Chelsea and Liverpool as they can be rest assured that their goalkeeping department is in safe hands.
(3) Conor Gallagher:
The England International has received a lot of stick from Chelsea supporters following the chances that he missed in the final. Gallagher had a lot of chances to win the game for his team but he failed to put the ball at the back of the net, thanks to the heroic performance from Keheller.
(4) Jurgen Klopp's masterclass:
The German international showed why he is one of the best managers in the world. He went into the final with a young squad following injuries to some of its top players before the match. The Carabao Cup is the first trophy that the Reds could win this season as they are in contention to win the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup.
(5) Mauricio Pochettino:
The result of this match has a lot to do with Pochettino's future at Chelsea Football Club. A win would have guaranteed Chelsea's place in the Europa Conference League next season as it stands the future of the Argentine is currently hanging by the thread if he fails to finish in a European place at the end of this season ( 2023/24).
