Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after losing to Liverpool on penalties in a game where they rarely looked convincing.
The performance raised plenty of questions, exposing several players who may not be good enough for Chelsea while leaving fans scratching their heads over why a future star was left on the bench when the team desperately needed a goal. Do questions need to be asked or is it too early?
Many talking points, but in the end, it is an exit from the cup.
Penalty takers:
Chelsea - Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco (miss), Jordan Henderson, Emmanuel Emegha (saved), Fofana (skied)
Liverpool - Alexis Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Kostas Tsimikas (skied), Bradley Barcola, Ryan Gravenberch (saved), Joe Gomez
Player Ratings
Mike Penders - 7
He bounced back from Saturday’s disappointment with some excellent saves, particularly against Bradley Barcola. I felt he could have done more to unsettle Liverpool’s penalty takers during the shootout, but perhaps I’m just being picky.
Josh Achemapong - 6.5
He struggled to contain Rio Ngumoha in the first half, but improved after the break, making more positive contributions both defensively and going forward.
Wesley Fofana - 4
You know when you’re in a relationship where she keeps disappointing you, but for some reason, you just can’t let go? That’s what supporting Fofana feels like at times.
Giving away the penalty was daft, to say the least, and he then missed the decisive spot-kick that handed Liverpool the win. On the bright side, he won nine duels in the match.
Maxence Lacroix - 6
He made a good early challenge on Cody Gakpo and produced some solid clearances, but a suspected hamstring injury brought his night to an early end. That will be a concern for Xabi Alonso.
Malo Gusto - 5
He was far too weak in duels and wasteful in possession, raising questions about the decision to play him at left-back when there are better, more suitable options available.
However, his pass into Caicedo did help set up the move that won Chelsea the penalty.
Moises Caicedo - 6.5
The best at the possession game in the three and was the one who excelled when pressed intensely. The Ecuadorian won the penalty and was missed when he was substituted.
Romeo Lavia - 6
He had an opportunity to push for a starting spot as Henderson’s performances began to fade, but never looked like a significant upgrade on his older compatriot. There was more sideways passing, although he did make a few good recoveries.
Jordan Henderson - 6
He was decent, but he will need to replicate his performance and attacking output against Bournemouth. When he fails to shine on the pitch, he tends to make his presence felt with his mouth instead.
Pedro Neto - 5.5
One of his poor performances as he never created enough. Good penalty though.
Morgan Rogers - 6.5
He calmly converted Chelsea’s penalty during the match and scored again in the shootout. However, he was clumsy in attack, making it two consecutive performances that have failed to live up to his earlier standards.
Danny Welbeck - 6
This could be his time to shine, but he will need to improve on this performance. He was thoroughly dominated by Virgil van Dijk and must do better if he wants to seize his opportunity.
Substitues
Levi Colwill (on for Lacroix) - 6.5
Valentin Barco (on for Caicedo) - N/A
Emmanuel Emegha (on for Welbeck) - N/A
Marco Palestra (on for Gusto) - N/A
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