Kelleher 10/10 for goalkeeping performance in Carabao Cup win over Derby
Liverpool opened their Carabao Cup defense on Wednesday night by beating Derby County 3-2 on penalties at Anfield. A quiet first half saw few chances created by either side, but it was the home side who should have taken the lead at the break after Fabio Carvalho combined with Layton Stewart to keep their efforts on target.
The Reds showed more intensity in the second half, although it wasn’t until Jurgen Klopp’s triple substitution just after the hour mark that Roberto Firmino, Darwin Nunez, and Harvey Elliott appeared to take full control.
Elliott had the best chance when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain timed a tricky ball through the Derby defense, but Jurgen Klopp was unable to prevent penalties in the scoreless 90th minute.
Stefan Bajcetic put Liverpool through first, but three saves from Caoimhin Kelleher ensured Elliott could send the Reds through to the next round.
positive
A world-class display in the penalty shoot-out from Caoimhin Kelleher ensured Liverpool progressed to the next round. This a strong result for the champions who advance to the next round after trusting their team to get the job done.
Cons
No negatives after a solid performance, although some might argue that Liverpool was tempting fate in the competition by fielding a young team.
Liverpool Rating of Manager (out of 10)
Jurgen Klopp, 6 – With a well-timed triple substitution, Klopp introduced his senior players at the right time and his side controlled the game despite several changes.
Liverpool Rating of players(1to10 to) best players listedÂ
GK Caoimhin Kelleher, 10 -The Republic of Ireland international had little to do on the night as Derby failed to create many promising opportunities. A sensational performance in the penalty shootout ensured Liverpool’s progress.
DF Kostas Tsimikas, 7 — He came close to opening the scoring in the first half, but his volley went wide. He regularly marauded down the left wing and put in some promising crosses after linking up positively with Bobby Clarke.
DF Joe Gomez, 7 – Won most of the balls that came into the box and were quick to track runners looking to run in behind Liverpool’s Highline. In the 80th minute, in a moment of danger for the Reds, he applied vital pressure.
DF Nat Phillips, 8 – An excellent display from Nat Phillips, who seemed to be the man to disrupt numerous Derby County attacks. He moved the ball well from the back and was also dominant when fighting for balls in the air.
DF Calvin Ramsay, 6 – It looked like Ramsay could have adjusted the dials slightly on some of his forward passes, although he played positively and battled hard on the right wing.
MF Stefan Bajcetic, 6 – Showcased his range of passing from an anchor position and was aggressive at times to put pressure on Derby County’s midfield looking to break. Overall a guaranteed performance from Stefan Bajcetic.
MF Bobby Clark, 6 – The 17-year-old midfielder looked bright in close range and managed to keep Liverpool’s pace in the attacking third.
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 7 — Oxlade-Chamberlain looked to take the game in his stride from midfield, moving the ball quickly to his teammates around him. A tricky pass set up the best chance of the game for Harvey Elliott, who couldn’t beat the keeper.
FW Fabio Carvalho, 6 — Came and left the game in spells but looked dangerous when Liverpool managed to get the ball to him in space. He almost assisted the opener by setting up the Reds’ best chance for Layton Stewart to volley over.
FW Melkamu Frauendorf, 6 – Worked hard on the right wing in a tough contest against a Derby County side that played aggressively. Tracked well to help his defense during the counter-attacking phases. Unlucky not to get an assist with a cross to Carvalho in the second half.
FW Layton Stewart, 6 – The 20-year-old finished poorly when Fabio Carvalho cut the ball back across the box and his connection sent it over the bar.
Substitutes
MF Harvey Elliott (Clark, 64′), 7 -Added a level of class to midfield and was able to provide passes that cut through the Derby defense. He scored the winning penalty.
FW Roberto Firmino (Frauendorf, 66′), 6 – Well connected with a header late on when keeper Joe Wildsmith got a strong hand.
FW Darwin Nunez (Stewart, 66′), 6 -The Uruguayan international couldn’t get into the game as much as he would have liked, and at times moved to the left wing where he wasn’t as effective.
MF Ben Doak (Carvalho, 74′), N/R — Senior Liverpool debut for the 16-year-old. Doak looked bright in possession and was direct when coming at defenders.