Liverpool overcame Chelsea at Anfield to qualify for the Carabao Cup quarter-final, sealing the win on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
The Reds went down after Ryan Gravenberch gave away a penalty with a poor tackle on Moises Caicedo, and the visitors converted it.
However, Liverpool got back into the tie immediately as Cody Gakpo converted from 12 yards following Wesley Fofana’s handball.
After a second half with few chances, they went to penalties. Liverpool came out on top.
Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas missed their kicks, but Fofana, Emanuel Emegha, and Valentin Barco also did, and the Merseyside club advanced.
While Liverpool will still be reeling from the high of knocking out such a high-profile opponent again, Andoni Iraola will be worried about Gravenberch’s performance.
He was absolutely atrocious versus Chelsea, giving away a penalty and missing one after normal time. He also lost 6/10 duels, completed 0/1 dribbles, and made 0/1 crosses.
The Liverpool defensive midfielder was dribbled past once. He was absolutely dominated in the middle of the park and desperately needs to raise his level.
Gravenberch’s place in the starting XI should now be under serious threat after 19-year-old Trey Nyoni looked so much better when given his opportunity.
This was another shocking performance from the midfielder, who was also poor against Brighton & Hove Albion.
That makes it back-to-back shockers for a player who should be providing Liverpool with stability and control in the middle of the park.
Gravenberch also picked up a red card against Manchester City just weeks ago, making his recent disciplinary and performance record increasingly concerning.
Nyoni has shown he deserves more opportunities, and if he keeps impressing, Gravenberch could soon find himself watching from the bench.
The 24-year-old cannot keep getting away with performances like these.
He needs to wake up, rediscover his best form and start delivering consistently, or Iraola must have the courage to drop him.