Ian Doyle with the main talking point from Liverpool's Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea on Wednesday evening
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Joe Gomez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their team's sixth penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on October 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Joe Gomez celebrates after scoring Liverpool's decisive sixth penalty in their thrilling shootout success over Chelsea(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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A doff of the cap to whoever was manning the playlist after another dramatic Anfield evening. As the delighted home supporters drifted away into the chilly evening having seen their team take another step towards a return to Wembley, the strains of “Ain’t Nobody” could be heard booming out around the stadium.
The song, of course, has long been reappropriated by Liverpool supporters as a tribute to Joe Gomez, the longest-serving member of the squad whose Reds career has straddled the reigns of Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot and now Andoni Iraola.
Gomez’s failure to trouble the scoresheet throughout that period has become the stuff of legend in these parts, with it difficult to remember the defender even coming close to breaking his duck in his 280 appearances.
READ MORE: Impressive Andoni Iraola is restoring what Liverpool lost and it could take them to Wembley
So when it was the turn of the 29-year-old to step up for his penalty in a shoot-out laced with twists and turns, a collective hush fell around Anfield.
They needn’t have worried, Gomez confidently stroking the ball into the top right-hand corner beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders to put Iraola’s side 6-5 ahead.
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And it proved decisive, with visiting defender Wesley Fofana then sending the next spot-kick almost into orbit to book Liverpool’s place in a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Iraola’s old club Bournemouth.
Does a goal in a shoot-out count towards a senior tally? Only the most mean-spirited would begrudge Gomez his moment.
Even before his excellent penalty, this was a night for the defender to celebrate, skippering a much-changed side in an increasingly tense match that had ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of normal time.
The latest player to answer the call at right-back, Gomez had his hands full for the much of the game against the tricky Morgan Rogers but ultimately edged the battle, helped by putting down a marker with some solid challenges.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Joe Gomez of Liverpool leaves the field following victory in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on October 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Joe Gomez leaves the field following his starring role in Liverpool's victory over Chelsea(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Indeed, Gomez’s willingness to put his body on the line was evident in the second half with a brave block to deny a goalbound effort from Rogers.
Sure, there was some inevitable rustiness on only his second start of the season. But he was also able to supply a threat going forward, notably when his cross fashioned a second-half chance spurned by Ronald Araujo.
Then came the penalties. Nobody would have expected Gomez to be the hero. But then, there’s nobody like him. Just ask the Liverpool supporters.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Liverpool FC Head Coach Andoni Iraola concentrates after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola, pictured on the club's tour of the US(Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)