Chelsea lose Carabao Cup final to Liverpool after Van Dijk’s extra-time winner

Virgil van Dijk scored deep into extra time as a depleted Liverpool side beat Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup on Sunday. 

The 32-year-old had a goal chalked off for offside on the hour but he produced another excellent header in the 118th minute to help the Reds to their first piece of silverware this season. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side were missing some of the key players due to injuries, including Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

Chelsea’s recent results were promising and they were regarded as favourites against the under-strength Liverpool team. 

But the Blues missed several big chances and ultimately lost their sixth successive Wembley final. 

The West Londoners created many opportunities in the first-half but Caoimhin Kelleher’s brilliance in goal kept the scoreline 0-0. 

Raheem Sterling thought he had delivered a breakthrough before the interval, but the goal was ruled out by VAR. The same thing happened with Van Dijk on the hour mark. 

Chelsea finished normal time well on top, but the momentum shifted towards Liverpool in extra time. 

Harvey Elliot’s volley hit the side-netting before Van Dijk popped up with the decisive header in the 118th minute to spark wild celebrations among the Reds’ supporters. 

Manager Mauricio Pochettino is likely to face a lot of scrutiny following this defeat as his side are already out of the FA Cup and are languishing 11th in the Premier League. 

The Argentine may likely be sacked by the end of the season as he has completely failed to revive the fortunes of the club after arriving in the summer.