Liverpool are into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chelsea at Anfield, but it was far from a straightforward night for Andoni Iraola’s side.
The Reds drew 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Chelsea taking the lead from the penalty spot before Cody Gakpo equalised. It then took a nerve-wracking shootout for Liverpool to get over the line, with Giorgi Mamardashvili producing a crucial save and Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana missing the decisive kick.
It was a terrific result, and progressing in the competition is what matters most. However, there were plenty of questions left unanswered, particularly about the strength of Liverpool’s squad beyond the regular starters.
Here are my five big talking points from an eventful night at Anfield.
1\. Mamardashvili Finally Delivers When Liverpool Need Him Most
Giorgi Mamardashvili needed a moment like this.
Taking over from Alisson Becker is never going to be an easy job, and the Georgian goalkeeper has faced plenty of scrutiny during his opportunities in a Liverpool shirt. While his shot-stopping ability has never really been in doubt, other areas of his game have sometimes left supporters wanting more.
Against Chelsea, he had the chance to make himself the hero.
After Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas sent his penalty over the crossbar, the pressure was firmly on. Mamardashvili responded by diving superbly to save Emmanuel Emegha’s effort and give Liverpool a lifeline.
It was a massive intervention at exactly the right time.
One save does not suddenly answer every question about his suitability as Liverpool’s long-term No. 1, but it should give him a welcome confidence boost.
My view is that Mamardashvili deserves credit for stepping up when it mattered. Liverpool need him to build on this performance and show greater consistency whenever he is called upon.
2\. Liverpool’s Squad Depth Is Still a Concern
Liverpool’s expensive substitutes’ bench might look impressive on paper, but there is a difference between having big names available and having reliable alternatives throughout the squad.
This match highlighted that concern.
Players such as Tsimikas and James McConnell were given an opportunity to make an impression, but I was not convinced by what I saw. Tsimikas missed his penalty in the shootout, while his wider performance did little to ease my concerns about the cover Liverpool have at left-back.
For me, Tsimikas has struggled for consistency throughout the season, and Liverpool need more dependable competition in that position.
Ryan Gravenberch also had a difficult evening, conceding the penalty that allowed Chelsea to take the lead before seeing his own shootout effort saved. These are not the performances Liverpool need from players who are expected to contribute regularly.
Of course, cup matches can be difficult, particularly when several players are trying to prove themselves. But if Liverpool want to compete across multiple competitions, the squad needs to be strong enough to cope when the first-choice players are rested.
Getting through was the priority, but Iraola will have plenty to review.
3\. Jordan Henderson’s Return Was Always Going to Be Complicated
Jordan Henderson will always have a place in Liverpool’s history.
He captained the club through some memorable years and lifted major trophies during his time at Anfield. His contribution should never be forgotten.
However, seeing him return in Chelsea colours was always going to feel strange for some supporters.
Henderson received a tremendous reception on a previous return to Anfield, with Liverpool fans showing their appreciation for everything he had achieved at the club. His subsequent move to Chelsea has inevitably changed the atmosphere around his latest visit.
I can understand why some supporters were unhappy to see him wearing the shirt of a direct rival. Equally, his years of service deserve respect.
For me, both things can be true: Henderson remains a Liverpool great, but supporters are entitled to have mixed feelings about his decision to join Chelsea.
Whatever the reaction on the night, his achievements as Liverpool captain remain part of the club’s history.
4\. Chiesa and Endo Face Serious Questions About Their Futures
One of the most interesting aspects of the Chelsea match was the lack of involvement for Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo.
In a midweek cup tie, with Liverpool navigating a demanding run of fixtures, this looked like the sort of occasion when fringe players might expect an opportunity.
Neither player featured, and that will inevitably raise questions about where they stand under Iraola.
The Liverpool manager appears to have a clear idea of the players he trusts to carry out his approach. Being part of the squad is one thing; getting meaningful minutes is another.
It would be premature to declare either player’s Liverpool career over based on one selection, but the lack of opportunities is becoming difficult to ignore.
Chiesa offers attacking options, while Endo can provide experience and defensive discipline in midfield. If Iraola does not see either player as a suitable fit for his system, though, it is fair to ask what their roles will be moving forward.
Both need opportunities to show what they can offer, but the manager’s selections suggest they have ground to make up.
5\. Trey Nyoni Continues to Make His Case
There was another encouraging sign for Liverpool in the form of Trey Nyoni.
The youngster was trusted against Chelsea, and his composure at such a young age continues to be encouraging. He does not appear overawed by the level of opposition, which is an important quality for a player trying to establish himself at Anfield.
Liverpool need young players who can step into the first team and make a genuine contribution, rather than simply fill a place on the bench.
Nyoni is still developing, and it is important not to put too much pressure on him too soon. One good performance does not guarantee a regular starting role, particularly in a Liverpool midfield packed with competition.
However, I would like to see Iraola continue giving him opportunities. If Nyoni keeps responding positively, he could become a more important part of the squad as the season progresses.
For me, his development is one of the more encouraging stories to emerge from this cup run.
My Verdict: Celebrate the Win, but Liverpool Must Learn From It
Liverpool are through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and that is what matters most on a night when the tension seemed never-ending.
Mamardashvili deserves enormous credit for his shootout save, and Liverpool showed enough nerve to get the job done. There is also reason to be encouraged by the opportunities given to young players such as Nyoni.
But I cannot ignore the concerns.
Tsimikas and Gravenberch have been disappointing in my opinion, while Gakpo’s recent dip in form is another issue that needs attention. The lack of involvement for Chiesa and Endo also raises questions about the depth and balance of the squad.
Liverpool cannot expect the same starting eleven to carry the burden every few days. If Iraola wants to challenge for silverware, he needs more dependable performances from the players outside his preferred team.
Beating Chelsea was a terrific result, but the performance was a reminder that Liverpool still have work to do.
The Reds are in the quarter-finals, and that is worth celebrating. Now they must build on it, because the challenges are only going to get tougher.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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