Liverpool Advances in EFL Cup After Penalty Shootout Against Chelsea
Liverpool faced Chelsea at Anfield earlier tonight with the intention of securing a victory in the EFL Cup. The match began positively for the Reds, but they fell behind in the 40th minute when Morgan Rogers converted a penalty kick. Just three minutes later, Andoni Iraola’s squad equalized through a penalty taken by Cody Gakpo, sending the teams into the half-time break tied at 1-1.
In the second half, Liverpool pushed for the winning goal but could not break the deadlock, and the match concluded with a 1-1 scoreline.
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Ultimately, Liverpool triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning by a narrow margin of 6-5.
Here’s how each Liverpool player performed during the match against Chelsea.
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7/10
He made several critical saves and successfully stopped Emmanuel Emegha’s penalty during the shootout.
RB: Joe Gomez – 7/10
Gomez was active on the ball and delivered solid tackles, successfully scoring his penalty in the shootout.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 7.5/10
Araujo excelled defensively and posed a threat during attacking plays.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 6.5/10
He contributed with crucial interceptions on the defensive end.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Liverpool players celebrate winning the penalty shootout during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on October 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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LB: Kostas Tsimikas – 6/10
Tsimikas regained possession on two occasions and created two promising chances, though he missed his penalty.
CM: Trey Nyoni – 7/10
Nyoni displayed confidence in anchoring the midfield and contributed well on the ball.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – 5/10
Gravenberch conceded a penalty in the first half and failed to convert his spotkick in the shootout.
RW: Cody Gakpo – 7.5/10
Gakpo was noticeable on several occasions, scoring a penalty in the 43rd minute and converting his spotkick in the shootout.
CAM: James McConell – 6/10
Despite his energy and effort, McConell did not manage to threaten Chelsea’s goal.
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LW: Rio Ngumoha – 7/10
Ngumoha made effective runs with the ball but did not look like he would find the net.
ST: Lewis Koumas – 6/10
Koumas had a positive run with the ball but was unable to score.
RW: Bradley Barcola – 7/10
Barcola effectively utilized his pace throughout the match.
CAM: Florian Wirtz – 6.5/10
Wirtz was successful in scoring his penalty during the shootout.
CB: Jeremy Jacquet – 6/10
Jacquet maintained a solid defensive presence.
