Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (6-5 on pens): History repeats itself as Gomez sends Reds through

History repeated itself at Anfield as Liverpool and Chelsea produced another dramatic cup meeting, with the Reds prevailing 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Carabao Cup fourth round. 

The two sides had gone to a penalty shootout on four previous occasions, and Liverpool won them all. 

Joe Gomez made it five, delivering the decisive shot to send Liverpool into the quarter finals and closes another chapter to this familiar rivalry. 

The opening minutes offered little in the way of clear chances for both sides. 

Rio Ngumoha quickly showed why he has become a crowd favourite, drawing supporters to their feet as he routinely played the ball into the opponents half. 

Although, with Liverpool maintaining some dominance of the ball they struggled to create much chances, with neither keeper tested. Referee, Darren England booked Lewis Koumas for what seemed a harsh challenge on Lacroix. 

The game finally opened up shortly before the conclusion of the first half. Ryan Gravenberch lunged in late on Caicedo, conceding a penalty and giving Chelsea the opportunity to take the lead. 

The decision brought loud boos from the Anfield crowd, which only picked up with further frustration when former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson initially approached the spot before handing responsibility to Morgan Rogers. 

Rogers made no mistake, sending his penalty into the right hand corner, earning Chelsea their lead against the Red’s. Noticeably, on the sidelines, there was little celebration from manager Xabi Alonso, although he congratulated Rogers. 

Liverpool’s response was almost immediate. The Reds were awarded a penalty of their own, and Gakpo stepped up to restore balance, bringing the score to 1-1 in a frantic end to the half. 

Chelsea’s evening then took a difficult turn when Lacroix pulled up clutching his quad while closing down Gakpo.

The defender was unable to continue and was replaced by Levi Colwill, adding to Alonso’s injury concerns alongside the absences of Emiliano Martínez, João Pedro, Reece James and others, as well as the suspended Cole Palmer. 

After the break, Chelsea emerged with more intent while Liverpool struggled to find a rhythm.

Another yellow card was drawn, this occasion to the visitors’ Josh Acheampong for bringing down Ngumoha.

Iraola saw it fit to make substitutions, introducing Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola for Koumas and James McConnell.

The changes initially did little to improve the Reds, but both teams continued to create opportunities, more than recognised in the first half. 

Penders denied Ronald Araujo with a save from a header, before Gomez recovered brilliantly to block Rogers at the other end as Chelsea threatened on the counter. 

Alonso responded with three changes of their own, bringing on Emanuel Emegha, Valentín Barco and Marco Palestra.

Emegha’s introduction marked his first appearance of the season after injury had delayed his debut, offering Alonso another attacking option. 

Liverpool had the best chance late on, but Wirtz missed from six yards after good work from Colwill to block, and Mac Allister slipped when trying to shoot after a corner was cleared. 

Jérémy Jacquet and Alexander Isak came on for Virgil van Dijk and Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool pushed for a winner, while Chelsea held firm. 

Both sides went looking for a winner in the closing minutes. 

Neither side could find a winner, leaving penalties to decide who would progress to the quarter finals. 

Penalties:

The shootout looked set to test Liverpool’s record against Chelsea.

Mac Allister, Isak, Gakpo, Wirtz and Barcola all converted for the Reds, while Tsimikas and Gravenberch missed.

Chelsea found the net through Neto, Rogers, Lavia, Henderson and Colwill, but a miss from Barco kept Liverpool in the contest.

With the pressure at its highest, Mamardashvili saved Emegha’s effort to give Liverpool the advantage.

Joe Gomez stepped forward next, with nearly 300 appearances for the club, and kept his nerve to drive the ball into the top corner.

The pressure was now on Fofana to keep Chelsea alive, but the Frenchman blasted his penalty into the Kop.

Liverpool had sealed a 6-5 shootout victory and booked their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Some would say it was a dramatic but fitting conclusion to another meeting between these sides. 

Liverpool now turn their attention to Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday 1 November. 

Their next League Cup assignment is a quarter final against Bournemouth, with another step towards silverware within reach.

Chelsea's next fixture is a Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday 31st October.