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    Inside Liverpool stars’ jubilant dressing room celebrations at Wembley after beating Chelsea in Carabao Cup final

    LIVERPOOL stars danced the night away to Dua Lipa as they celebrated their Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.A late Virgil van Dijk header in extra time secured a famous win for Jurgen Klopp and his Kop kids at Wembley.
    Liverpool stars danced the night away after beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Sky Sports
    The winners sang along to Dua Lipa’s ‘One Kiss’ in the Wembley changing roomCredit: Sky Sports
    The result saw Chelsea, branded “billion pound bottlejobs” by Gary Neville, lose their SIXTH consecutive domestic cup final.
    But while the Blues suffered more heartbreak, Liverpool got the party underway in their dressing room.
    Having lifted the Carabao Cup and paraded it around the pitch, Van Dijk and Co headed inside for a knees-up.
    Video footage shows the Liverpool squad dancing around the dressing room to the sound of Dua Lipa’s smash hit ‘One Kiss’.
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    The songstress’ tune is popular with the Reds after becoming the soundtrack to their 2019 Champions League victory over Tottenham.
    A year earlier, Lipa performed the song ahead of Liverpool’s defeat to Real Madrid in the final.
    And despite losing, the fans embraced it as their own.
    Liverpool’s players also clearly love it too.
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    Jurgen Klopp is once again the toast of the North WestCredit: Getty
    Virgil van Dijk was the hero for the RedsCredit: Alamy
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    They danced and sang along as the champagne began to flow.
    And supporters couldn’t get enough of their antics in the capital.
    Jurgen Klopp’s injury crisis gets worse as Liverpool star carried off on stretcher in Carabao Cup final
    One said: “Wild atmosphere.”
    Another declared: “Proper that.”
    One noted: “Fit and ready to face Southampton on Wednesday.”
    Another added: “What a moment.”
    Speaking after the win, Liverpool boss Klopp said: “I was told there was an English phrase that you don’t win trophies with kids!
    “In my more than 20 years, it is easily the most special trophy I have ever won. It is absolutely exceptional.
    “I was proud of everybody involved, I was proud of our people for the way they pushed us, I was proud of the staff for creating this kind of atmosphere surrounding where these boys can do what they are best at, I was proud of our academy, my coaches, so many things.
    “It has nothing to do with it maybe being my last game at Wembley. It is about how everybody contributed, seeing the faces of the kids after the game.
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    “Can you create in football stories that definitely nobody will ever forget? It’s so difficult. 
    “If you find the same story with academy kids coming on against a top, top side and still winning? I don’t know (if you can).”
    It was party time for the Liverpool kidsCredit: Getty More

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    Mauricio Pochettino hits back at Gary Neville’s ‘billion pound bottlejobs’ jibe after Chelsea lose Carabao Cup final

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO hit back at Gary Neville’s “blue billion-pound bottlejobs” taunt after his megabucks Chelsea lost to Liverpool’s kids in the Carabao Cup final.The Blues – who famously spent more than a billion quid on players in the Todd Boehly era – were undone by Virgil van Dijk’s header with two minutes of extra time to go.
    Mauricio Pochettino reckons Gary Neville’s criticism was ‘unfair’Credit: Rex
    Jayden Danns, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Conor Bradley show their youthful delight after Liverpool’s Wembley defeat of ChelseaCredit: Getty
    That was despite Liverpool having rookies Jayden Danns, 18, Bobby Clark, 19, and James McConnell, also 19, on the pitch by the end of the game.
    It led to Neville’s bottlejobs barb in commentary, which Poch branded as “unfair”.
    The Argentine said: “I didn’t hear what he said, but if you compare the age of the two groups, I think it is similar.
    “I have a good relationship with Gary and I don’t know if that’s how I can take this opinion. But I respect his opinion.
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    “Of course, we made a few changes with (Conor) Gallagher and (Ben) Chilwell in extra time.
    “But it is true we didn’t keep the energy of how we finished the second half.
    “I don’t know how you can describe this situation. But for sure I feel proud. I feel proud of the players, I think they made a big effort.
    “We are a young team and (it is) nothing to compare with Liverpool (just) because they finished with also a few young players. I think it’s impossible (to compare the two sides).
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    “He (Neville) knows, he knows the dynamics are completely different.
    “I think it’s not fair to talk in this way, if he said that.
    Chelsea fan Astrid Wett suffers ultimate Wembley nightmare before fellow Blues supporter steps in to save the day
    “But I think we are going to keep strong and keep believing in this project and see what we can do in the future.”
    Chelsea’s team at the end of the game may have cost the earth and had no teenagers in it, but ironically its average age of 22.6years was younger than Liverpool’s of 24.1.
    The defeat saw Pochettino’s long wait for a trophy in English football continue, having lost the 2015 League Cup final to Chelsea and 2019 Champions League final to Liverpool during his five-year reign at Tottenham.
    They can still win the FA Cup this season and face old rivals Leeds in the fifth round on Wednesday, but have dropped to 11th in the Premier League.
    Former Southampton boss Pochettino said there was still plenty of time for his youngsters to win silverware – but the same can not be said for himself.
    The 51-year-old, who won Ligue Un as Paris Saint-Germain boss in 2022, added: “My emotions, it is the same as the players.
    The players need to feel the pain… We need to work more, we need to do better things.Mauricio Pochettino
    “I am so disappointed, it is so painful. I am an older guy that has less time to win titles, they are younger than me and for sure they have time.
    “But in football always it is about when you have the opportunity.
    “Now we need to move forward. But the players need to feel the pain. We played for a trophy and we didn’t get it.
    “They need to realise we need to work more, we need to do better things, we need to improve.”
    Pochettino urged his side to take inspiration from Jurgen Klopp’s side, who themselves lost major finals before eventually becoming serial winners.
    He added: “To compete at this level against a team that is in the last five, six, seven years is competing for big things, it is about to arrive here first and then feel what it means to play for a big trophy.
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    “I remember after three or four years Liverpool lost the Champions League final, they lost the Europa League final, and they believed in the project.
    “They were in the next seasons stronger until they get what they wanted. That is a good example if we want to challenge a team like Liverpool.” More

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    Virgil van Dijk secures his Liverpool ‘legacy moment’ after joining exclusive club with Carabao Cup final performance

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK put in a performance for the ages to hand Liverpool their 10th Carabao Cup win.Van Dijk nodded home an extra-time winner to seal a 1-0 win, earning him the Man of the Match in SunSport’s Liverpool player ratings.
    Virgil van Dijk put in a Man of the Match display in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PA
    His display was described as a ‘legacy performance’Credit: Getty

    It was Liverpool’s 10th League Cup win overall and the first of Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour after he announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
    Van Dijk was handed the armband by the German for the final, and the Dutchman said he was incredibly proud to win his first trophy as captain.
    The Dutchman has always been a vocal defender.
    But his performance at Wembley also depicted a player who wanted to lead by example.
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    And that is what he did, putting in an imperious display of the highest order.
    With that display a host of impressive records and numbers came with it.
    Van Dijk is now just the third player behind John Terry and Vincent Kompany to win the Man of the Match award in multiple League Cup finals, doing so in 2022 and now 2024.
    Looking at his numbers, Van Dijk couldn’t have done much more.
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    Van Dijk’s numbers show you how well he performed
    Van Dijk put three tackles, won seven duels and made two interceptions.
    His on ball exploits were not bad either.

    The 32-year-old touched the ball 120 times.
    He passed the ball a total of 101 times, with 92 of his passes being accurate, including three accurate long balls.
    Van Dijk even got involved in the creative aspects of the game by registering two key passes.
    The former Southampton and Celtic star was also lethal in front of goal, scoring from his only shot on target.
    Van Dijk found team-mates also over the pitch
    He dominated the left side of the pitch
    Though he did have the ball in the net in normal time, only for that goal to be ruled out for offside on Wataru Endo after the midfielder was deemed to have blocked off Levi Colwill.
    Reacting to Van Dijk’s performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Virgil Van Djik. Legacy moment. Respect where it’s due.
    “You just witnessed a club built on spirit, principles and worth versus a club that’s been rebuilt on just money and hope.”
    A second said: “Virgil van Dijk was beyond incredible today, by the way.
    “Cannot downplay just how imperious he was, and so fitting for him to score the winner. One of the best centre-backs to ever play the game.”
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    Another said: “Liverpool were the dominant team in extra-time even with kids all over the park. Why? Virgil Van Dijk.”
    His Motm display also handed him the illustrious record of having been the star man in three finals for Liverpool, with his two League Cup performances adding to his 2019 Champions League final game.
    “This emotion is everthing. I’m so proud of the boys.” ❤️Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reacts to winning the Carabao Cup 😍 pic.twitter.com/Nt3mJo4AYE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 25, 2024 More

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    Chelsea fans convinced Mauricio Pochettino IGNORED Todd Boehly after Carabao Cup final defeat

    FANS are convinced that Mauricio Pochettino has completely ignored Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.The American billionaire was at Wembley to watch on as his side suffered heartbreak at the hands of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
    Fans are convinced that Mauricio Pochettino ignored Chelsea owner Todd BoehlyCredit: Getty
    Boehly was watching on from the stand at WembleyCredit: AP
    Fans thought Pochettino had avoided shaking Boehly’s hand when collecting his runners-up medal
    Chelsea held on at 0-0 until the dying embers of extra-time when Virgil Van Dijk nodded home a 118th minute winner for the Reds.
    And the painfully late goal left Blues fans, players and staff crestfallen at the sound of the full time whistle signalling a 1-0 defeat.
    Mauricio Pochettino and his players then had to do the unwanted task of heading up on the terraces to collect their runners-up medals.
    The Chelsea boss had to walk past execs from both clubs as well as the competition’s sponsor when collecting his medal and fans think that he completely blanked Todd Boehly when doing so.
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    Fans online were convinced that the 51-year-old Argentine walked directly past Boehly before shaking the hands of the bigwigs next to him – but slow motion replays show that isn’t the case.
    Pochettino, in actual fact, reached out his left hand and greeted Boehly with a handshake, but was was rightfully sporting a devastated look on his face following the result.
    Fans took to social media after spotting the ‘snub’ and were convinced that Poch had done it on purpose.
    One misunderstanding fan wrote: “Pochettino just totally blanked Todd Boehly…”
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    While another added: “Nice ignore from Boehly to Poch on the walkway. Sacked in the morning I think the song goes.”
    While other supporters managed to notice that Poch had indeed shook the hand of his boss.
    Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1- Virgil van Dijk sends Wembley wild with dramatic extra time winner in Carabao Cup final
    One wrote: “He shook his hand with his left hand!”
    And a second added: “Literally shook with his left hand.”
    Pochettino could be forgiven for looking dejected as he watched Liverpool lift the first piece of silverware of the season.
    But his side perhaps should have done more with their billion pound squad facing a number of inexperienced academy prospects in the Liverpool team.
    Gary Neville labelled Pochettino’s side as the “Blue billion pound bottle jobs” going up against “Klopp’s kids”.
    There’s plenty for Poch to think about now, but not much time to wrap his head around it with the London club returning to action on Wednesday to take on Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round.
    And the pressure will only continue to mount on the former Spurs boss if he is unable to progress to the next round with fans already calling his him to lose his job after Sunday’s cup final defeat.
    Liverpool were crowned the Carabao Cup winners after their 1-0 victoryCredit: Getty
    Chelsea left Wembley empty handedCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea break unwanted record in Carabao Cup final – proving Gary Neville’s ‘billion pound bottlejobs’ rant correct

    CHELSEA broke an unwanted record with their Carabao Cup final defeat – proving that Gary Neville’s “billion pound bottlejobs” rant was correct.The Blues wasted a flurry of chances as they lost Sunday’s showpiece event 1-0 to Liverpool.
    Chelsea have now lost a record six consecutive domestic cup finalsCredit: AP
    Gary Neville labelled them ‘billion pound bottlejobs’ after the Carabao Cup defeat to LiverpoolCredit: PA

    Virgil van Dijk scored a 118th minute winner following big misses from Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
    And it saw Sky Sports pundit Neville lay into Chelsea at the final whistle.
    He declared live on air: “In extra time it’s been Klopp’s kids against the blue, billion-pound bottlejobs.
    “Liverpool have been absolutely sensational. These young players have been incredible, Klopp must be so proud.
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    “However, for Chelsea, I have no sympathy for them whatsoever. Mauricio Pochettino’s players have shrunk, they’ve shrunk right in front of our eyes and in front of their fans.”
    Indeed, in losing to Liverpool, Chelsea set a new record for most domestic cup finals lost in a row.
    The Blues have now been defeated in SIX consecutive FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals in a run stretching back to 2019.
    That year, they were beaten on penalties by Manchester City following a 0-0 draw under the arches.
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    Maurizio Sarri was in charge at the time, and the game featured the infamous moment goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be subbed off before the shootout.
    The following year, under Frank Lampard, Chelsea lost the FA Cup final 2-1 to Arsenal – despite going ahead in the fifth minute.
    Van Dijk AND Sterling have goals RULED OUT by VAR in frantic final
    Chelsea’s first loss came in the 2019 Carabao final when Kepa refused to come off against Man CityCredit: Getty
    A year later they lost 2-1 in the FA Cup final to ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    A year later, Chelsea were defeated in another FA Cup final.
    Thomas Tuchel lost 1-0 to Leicester just two weeks before winning the Champions league.
    But it was not to be the German’s last taste of defeat in England.
    In 2022, he lost not one but TWO finals to Liverpool on penalties.
    The first came in the Carabao Cup final after a goalless draw.
    In 2021, the Blues were defeated 1-0 by Leicester in the FA CupCredit: Getty
    2022 started with Chelsea losing to Liverpool in the Carabao on penaltiesCredit: The Times
    And following a stalemate in the FA Cup, Tuchel’s Blues lost that one in a shootout as well.
    But Sunday’s defeat marked a record sixth consecutive domestic cup final loss for Chelsea.
    It was also their third domestic cup final defeat in a row against Liverpool, who they were also hammered by 4-1 in the Premier League this month.
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    In total, Chelsea scored just ONCE across their six final defeats.
    And Pochettino has been left sweating over his future after also blowing automatic qualification for next season’s Europa Conference League.
    The Reds also beat Chelsea on penalties in that year’s FA Cup finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Chelsea conceded a 118th minute goal in Sunday’s Carabao defeatCredit: Getty More

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    Furious Chelsea fans demand Mauricio Pochettino ‘sacked in the tunnel’ after losing Carabao Cup final to Liverpool

    CHELSEA fans demanded Mauricio Pochettino be sacked before leaving Wembley after a “shameful” Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool.Blues’ supporters’ labelled the 1-0 win for Jurgen Klopp’s much-weakened Reds as boss Pochettino’s “most embarrassing result” ever.
    Pochettino looks stunned after defeat as he shakes Klopp’s handCredit: AP
    Virgil van Dijk headed the only goal near the end of extra time after the Dutch defender and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling had efforts ruled out.
    And although both sides wasted gaping scoring opportunities, Blues’ fans were incredulous that a youthful Liverpool team missing big names like Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold came out on top.
    One posted: “We lost to Liverpool’s reserves and bunch of teenagers. Poch deserves to be sacked. The passive, scared approach was pathetic. It was so Spursy.”
    Many even called for the ex-Tottenham chief to be axed without delay following Chelsea’s sixth successive loss in a major final.
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    Typical responses included: “Poch should be sacked on the spot for losing that btw” and “Poch shouldn’t get to Cobham before he gets sacked”.
    A third observer hit out: “Poch surely sacked before he leaves the stadium & relegates his stock in the future too. Most embarrassing result of his career.”
    And with Stamford Bridge co-owner Todd Boehly getting such a terrible return for his huge investment so far, some supporters called for stern action typical of the American’s predecessor Roman Abramovich.
    One claimed: “Roman would have sacked Poch at half time of extra time.”
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    Pochettino was blasted by many fans but at least one blamed the poor finishing of midfielder Conor Gallagher for Chelsea’s defeat vs LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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    Many measured assessments of the whole match were just as withering for the Argentinian.
    Such as: “We either didn’t have the stamina to play with intensity for the full 120, despite an 8 day break, or Pochettino set us up so timidly in extra time or failed to inspire the team.
    Van Dijk AND Sterling have goals RULED OUT by VAR in frantic final
    “Either way, a damning indictment of him.”
    But other fans sympathised with Poch – arguing in particular that he shouldn’t be blamed for terrible finishing.
    One wrote: “Five big chances missed and it’s Pochettino’s fault, why is he always the scapegoat, you can’t teach players earning £200k a week how to shoot a ball. ”
    Another hit out: “It was Poch that was missing those chances or (Conor) Gallagher? Coach can’t do it all. The players are awful too.” More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Wasteful Blues live to rue missed chances as Liverpool beat them in third successive final

    CHELSEA lost a THIRD successive Wembley final to Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic extra-time header to hand the Reds the Carabao Cup.The Liverpool skipper had earlier had a goal disallowed by VAR before rising to the occasion once more to hand Jurgen Klopp a trophy in his final season in charge of the club.
    Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic late header as Liverpool beat Chelsea in a third successive cup finalCredit: Getty
    The victory means Jurgen Klopp gets at least one piece of silverware in his final Liverpool seasonCredit: Getty
    In an intense, thrilling battle in front of a raucous crowd, Raheem Sterling had also had a goal disallowed by the VAR – Nicolas Jackson ruled offside before crossing to his team-mate.
    With Liverpool missing several key players Chelsea ended the game stronger, Conor Gallagher having two big chances that he should have done better with.
    But as the game went into extra time it was Liverpool who improved, forcing Djordje Petrovic into a couple of good saves before Van Dijk’s decisive goal.
    The defeat means Mauricio Pochettino remains without a trophy in England with this a major blow to the club – especially given the litany of Liverpool stars missing.

    The Blues next face Leeds in the FA Cup on Wednesday, which surely represents their last chance of success this season.
    Raheem Sterling tapped in from close range but the goal was disallowed by VAR for a Nicolas Jackson offsideCredit: Reuters
    Virgil van Dijk powered in a header but his goal was also disallowed by VAR for a block on Levi ColwillCredit: Rex
    Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Sheen rated those in Blue at Wembley…
    Djordje Petrovic – 8/10
    Another solid afternoon’s work for the Serbian who dealt with everything that came his way comfortably.
    Made a couple of routine saves and looked good on the ball, commanded his box and was decisive when sweeping – made a strong save down to his right after an Axel Disasi slip allowed Luis Diaz into the box and another when Harvey Elliot’s shot bounced into the floor.
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    Was excellent in extra time, making an acrobatic save to tip over Jayden Dann’s header before getting down low to save Harvey Elliott’s header with his leg – nothing he could do for Van Dijk’s winner.
    Malo Gusto – 6
    Did a very impressive job keeping Luis Diaz under wraps, although there was more than one occasion where a poor touch saw the right-back lose Chelsea possession.
    Didn’t offer his usual verve going forward, but that looked more by design than anything.
    Axel Disasi – 5
    Like with Gusto and the rest of the back four, offered Liverpool a couple of openings with some sloppy play and nervy touches when in possession.
    He should’ve done better when he ghosted in at the far post from a corner but couldn’t sort his feet quickly enough and hit the ball over with his thigh.
    Defended well for the most part but Van Dijk beat him to the ball to score the winner.
    Levi Colwill – 5
    Endured a shocking first ten minutes where he gave the ball away in dangerous areas three times, with the occasion seemingly getting the better of the young England defender.
    Drastically improved as the game wore on but lost Cody Gakpo for one of Liverpool’s better chances, when the forward headed onto the post in the first half. Got a key touch on a Diaz cross that looked destined for Danns to turn in.
    Ben Chilwell – 5
    Offered much more of a forward threat than Gusto, especially when Connor Bradley was pushed into a more forward role.
    Sloppy defensive moments and poor touches helped Liverpool to keep the pressure on and he was totally overpowered by Virgil van Dijk for a goal before being saved by the VAR.
    Also lost Harvey Elliott for a late chance in extra time when the youngster hit the side netting but should’ve done better.
    Ben Chilwell clashed with Connor Bradley just before half timeCredit: AP

    Moises Caicedo – 8
    This is much more like what Chelsea fans would have been expecting for the massive amount they paid in the summer.
    Got through an incredible amount of running in the middle of the pitch, was strong and aggressive in the tackle – although overly aggressive on more than one occasion – and excellent in possession.
    Enzo Fernandez – 5
    Showed some real flashes of his quality on the ball in deeper positions but lacked quality when it counted in a couple of key moments.
    He chose the more difficult pass, with Sterling free to his left, when Chelsea had numbers over and then couldn’t get the ball out of his feet from a cross when he had two players free in the box.

    Conor Gallagher – 7
    A real leader’s performance from Gallagher who seemingly covered every blade of the Wembley turf.
    Picked up some incredibly dangerous positions with his forward running, was excellent in possession, strong in the tackle and saved a goal with a brilliant block when Bradley looked certain to score.
    But Gallagher had three late chances to grab a decisive goal. He was unlucky turning Palmer’s cross onto the post, needed to do better when put through one on one by Palmer, then blasted a Jackson lay off well wide.
    Cole Palmer – 6
    Chelsea fans will have wanted more from their starlet who had long spells where was just not involved in the play, although he became much more of a threat as the game opened up late on.
    Had a couple of good touches and was involved in some of the better moments for the Blues, but just had to score from close range before an outstanding save from Kelleher.
    Could have had an assist or two but for some woeful finishing from his team-mates.
    Cole Palmer did not have his best afternoon for the Blues
    Raheem Sterling – 5
    Struggled to get into the game before being taken off for Christopher Nkunku, although showed a couple of flashes and took up some good positions.
    Made some clever runs forward and thought he’d scored a tap in before Nicolas Jackson was ruled offside by VAR.
    Raheem Sterling had a goal disallowed but was taken off after 65 minutes after struggling to get into the game
    Nicolas Jackson – 8
    A truly excellent lone striker’s performance that kept Konate and Van Dijk occupied all afternoon before he was taken off late.
    The Senegalese didn’t get a clear sight of goal of his own, but everything Chelsea did well inevitably came through the No 15, who chased every long ball and gave the Liverpool defence fits with his work rate. Perhaps unlucky to be ruled offside for Sterling’s disallowed goal.
    Nicolas Jackson was full of running and gave the Liverpool defence lots of issues
    Subs
    Christopher Nkunku (for Sterling, 66) – 5
    Had barely touched the ball after coming on before a 92nd-minute goalmouth scramble saw the ball drop perfectly for him inside the six-yard box… but Nkunku could only snatch at it straight into the arms of a grateful Kelleher.
    Mykhailo Mudryk (for Jackson, 89) – 5
    Didn’t have much opportunity to get on the ball and run at the Liverpool defence, although did some good defensive work.
    Noni Madueke (for Gallagher, 95) – 6
    Had a couple of moments in one on one situations where he threatened to carve out an opening.
    Madueke’s decision making was poor, with him picking the wrong pass with one opening and firing a weak shot that was easily blocked with another.
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    Trevoh Chalobah (for Chilwell, 112) – 5
    Brought on for a tired Chilwell but failed to make an impact as Chelsea were pinned back late on by Liverpool.
    Subs not used: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Alfie Gilchrist, Jimi Tauriainen, Billy Gee. More

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    Chelsea star consoled by team-mates at full time after falling to the floor when Van Dijk scored late Liverpool winner

    AXEL DISASI had to be consoled by his teammates at full time after Chelsea suffered late heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final.The Blues defender was in tatters when the final whistle blew as Liverpool wound up as League Cup winners with a 1-0 win after extra time.
    Axel Disasi fell to the ground as Liverpool won the game in extra time
    He was left gutted at full time
    His Blues teammates had to console him
    The 25-year-old was clearly upset

    Disasi was left fuming when Virgil Van Dijk rose above the crowd in the penalty area to head home the winner in 118th minute.
    The 25-year-old fell to the ground and rolled around punching the grass in frustration at the last gasp winner that the Reds had found in the dying embers of the game.
    And he wasn’t able to shake off his emotions at full time either with his Chelsea teammates needing to put an arm around him to try and lift his spirits after losing out on the first trophy of the season.
    It was Disasi who was following Van Dijk’s run when the corner was whipped in from Kostas Tsimikas.
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    But the Frenchman was unable to beat the colossal Dutchman to the ball and watched as the net rippled and his team ultimately lost the game.
    The game was a tight run affair for the most part, but Liverpool’s inexperienced youngsters managed to find the moment of magic that won the game late into extra time.
    Chelsea threw multi-million pound signing after multi-million pound signing at the game to try and get something late on, but the academy kids from Merseyside kept their cool to wind up on top.
    Mauricio Pochettino’s side had to sit through the painful task of staying on the pitch after the game to watch their competitors lift the trophy.
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    And it was Disasi who appeared to be the most hurt of the bunch while watching on in envy.
    It may have been the pain of being the man who was unable to prevent the header from Van Dijk that left him the most visibly upset Blue on the pitch.
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    And Jamie Redknapp thought Disasi could have done better to prevent the goal.
    Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Van Dijk gets away from Disasi easily. He’s [Disasi] a big man, but he just didn’t do enough to stop him.
    “Virgin get’s across him and he just wanted him more. He leaves him on his heels and that’s the difference.”
    Chelsea had been issued a warning earlier in the game when Van Dijk put the ball in the net from an almost identical situation before it was ruled out by VAR.
    However they just weren’t able to stop the inevitability of the towering 32-year-old who is always an aerial threat.
    Disasi looked dejected at full timeCredit: Getty
    The Frenchman couldn’t beat Virgil Van Dijk to the ball when he scored the winnerCredit: Getty
    Liverpool wound up as Carabao Cup winnersCredit: Reuters More