Liverpool Exit The League Cup… Thankfully!
Liverpool lost to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last night and at the same time ended their unbeaten home record extending back 25 games. The only thing I’m sorry for is the record. As for the cup, I’m indifferent.
Personally, Liverpool have bigger fish to fry this season. I’d much prefer they kept their energy for the Premier League and the Champions League. The FA Cup would be nice. But the question is: how many cups can expect to win?
Jürgen Klopp said recently that he wanted to try to win every competition. Yes of course he does. Privately, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was relieved after losing to Chelsea last night. Alright, nobody wants to lose a game for sure. Especially a competitive one against a direct rival. But where do you draw the line?
Klopp will be one of the first to complain there are too many games in English football, that we should have a break blah, blah blah. Well if that’s the case, surely you can’t bemoan the fact you’ll have less games in which you’re players will get injured.
The only benefit i can see is that the fringe or youth players get a chance to impress. That’s about it.
Daniel Sturridge’s goal was a peach. It more than made up for the sitter he missed earlier. A clear case of if’s but’s and maybe’s. I don’t mind. In fact I applaud him. Why? Because it was with his weaker right foot so it’s no huge surprise – although he has scored a few with it.
Which is more than I can say for Mo Salah. I think the reason he’s not scored so much this season is because as a defender you know he’s more one footed than Hector Barbossa from Pirates of The Caribbean. It’s been very evident this season. Chances have been lost because he wants to get the ball onto his left.
Give credit to Chelsea, they fought back well and Eden Hazard’s winning goal was just… well, shear quality. Nutmegging Alberto Moreno in the process. Two quality strikes from either side were the highlights for the neutrals.
Simon Mignolet had another stinker so I’m sure Alisson slept like a baby last night. The Belgian can’t wonder why he’s second choice. Willy Caballero on the other hand had a blinder. He saved well from Sturridge, Sadio Mané, and Keïta.
In a Nutshell
For the amount of chances Liverpool had, they threw the game away really. Hazard has taken many of the plaudits, but for me Caballero was the man of the match last night. He pulled of some cracking saves. Chelsea have him to thank for still being in the competition. Liverpool in my opinion, have Mignolet to thank. Not in a bad way though.
The Reds are out of the Carabao Cup now and for me, can concentrate on more important matters like the Premiership, the Champions League. Maybe even the FA Cup for an old football romantic like me.
Bring on Chelsea on Sunday in the league. With a proper goalie between the sticks and a decent centre half in Virgil van Dijk, I’m more confident of a different ending.
Follow us:
On Twitter: @TheLFCFile
On Facebook: @thelfcfile
