Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk played a pivotal role in leading a young Liverpool team to Carabao Cup glory on Sunday night, February 25.
Van Dijk scored the winning goal in the 118th minute from a corner, after having an earlier effort controversially disallowed by VAR. The Reds secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, condemning them to their sixth consecutive Wembley cup final defeat.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made strategic substitutions, including introducing three teenage players in the latter stages of the game, despite his injury-ravaged squad. This victory left Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino still without a trophy in English football.
Despite missing key players such as Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai due to injury, Chelsea failed to capitalize on their advantage. The Blues started poorly, with Levi Colwill in defense, and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher making crucial saves to deny them.
Controversy arose when Moises Caicedo’s late challenge on Ryan Gravenberch went unnoticed by the referee and VAR, prompting frustration from the Liverpool camp.
Although Chelsea thought they had scored through Raheem Sterling, a skeptical offside call denied them the goal. Liverpool also had their chances, with Cody Gakpo hitting the post and Brdaley’s shot being blocked.
In extra time, Klopp’s decision to bring on three teenagers paid off when Van Dijk scored the winning goal with a towering header from a corner, securing Liverpool’s victory.
With this win, Liverpool claimed the Carabao Cup title for the 2023/2024 season, and they remain in contention for three more trophies.
