Liverpool secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a determined Fulham side at Craven Cottage. Luis Diaz’s opening goal was matched by Issa Diop, but Liverpool’s persistence paid off, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate triumph.
The stage is now set for an tҺrilli𝚗g final at Wembley on February 25, where Liverpool will face Chelsea led by Mauricio Pochettino. This showdown marks a rematch of their previous clashes in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals two years ago, both of which Liverpool won. Lewis Steele from Mail Sport was at Craven Cottage to provide match ratings for both teams, capturing the intensity and drɑmɑ of this gripping second-leg Carabao Cup semi-final.
Harvey Elliott brought energy and zest to Liverpool’s midfield, frequently influencing the game from hazardous positions and delivering challenging passes.
Despite being the quieter of Liverpool’s forwards, Nunez put in a commendable performance, contributing to the squad’s creativity.
Díaz’s standout performance of the season included a well-taken goal and constant tҺreat on the ball, showcasing his impactful presence.
Virgil van Dijk scored 7 points, leading the team without incident and providing guidance to young players like Quansah and Bradley.
Andy Robertson’s remarkable adaptability raises questions about his automatic reclaiming of a spot in the best-choice XI, given Gomez’s form.
Gravenberch, while showing a slight slowing in recent weeks, had an impressive night, minimizing mistakes and showcasing excellent ball retention.
The Argentine midfielder played a solid game, embodying the typical South American style with toughness off the ball and smoothness on it.
Liverpool’s Irish player had a good game, making excellent saves and displaying remarkable distribution and possession coolness. He has room for improvement in becoming a more imposing presence during crosses.
Racing up and down the right wing, the Northern Irishman had a promising performance, keeping Willian quiet. Despite the poor timing for Fulham’s equalizer, this marked his third consecutive start for Liverpool, highlighting his potential for the future.