Caoimhin Kelleher made 3 impressive saves in a penalty shootout as Liverpool advanced past a game against Derby County side Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup. After playing to a goalless draw through 90 minutes at Anfield, the Reds advance 3-2 on penalties with Harvey Elliott delivering the final blow.
First Half
Calvin Ramsay opened the action with a long-range chance in the 4th minute, forcing a save from the Saints keeper Joe Wildsmith. As expected, the Reds controlled the run of play, earning corners in the 12th and 14th minutes. The second corner led to a volley from Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain but it went just wide.
Derby County garnered their first shot in the 19th minute off the boot of Eiran Cashin but it was cleared. The visitors gained a corner of their own in the 24th minute, but Cashin's header was saved. From that point, the chances came quickly for Liverpool.
Layton Stewart missed a golden opportunity in front of the net in the 30th minute and Kostas Tsimikas' shot in the 32nd minute went wide left. Joe Gomez gave away a corner on a poor clearance just before the half, but the subsequent cross was headed away to leave the match scoreless at the break.
Second Half
Max Bird garnered Derby County's best chance in the 51st minute as the ball fell to him in the box, but he put the shot wide. Oxlade-Chamberlian took a rip from distance moments later, but Wildsmith made the save diving to his right. Fabio Carvalho forced another save from Wildsmith save in the 54th minute.
With the game still goalless in the 66th minute, Liverpool brought on three first-team players, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Núñez and Roberto Firmino. That triple change immediately led to various chances in front of goal for the Reds, but some superb defending from the Saints kept the ball out of the back of the net. Liverpool kept the pressure on with long stretches of possession in the attacking third, but they could not generate many quality chances from it.
Darby County nearly hit on a counterattack in Lewis Dobbin, who is on loan from Everton, ran onto a long pass, but he could not get enough power on the shot to beat the keeper. David McGoldrick nearly scored a late winner but his header was saved in the 86th minute sending the match to penalties.
Penalties
McGoldrick converted the first penalty and Wildsmith saved Stefan Bajcetic's opportunity, but then Kelleher came through for his club. He made two straight saves which tied the shootout at 1-1 after Oxlade-Chamberlain converted his chance. Louie Sibley each scored from the spot to tie things at 2-2. Kelleher followed with another massive save, setting up Harvey Elliots's heroics.
History Repeats Itself
Kelleher is no stranger to penalty shootouts in the Carabao Cup. In fact, he was victorious in 2 last seasons, against Leicester and in the final vs Chelsea. That may have been the reason for Pepijn Lijnders selecting him for the Starting XI. Either way, Kelleher seems to shine the bright in this competition and Reds supporters are glad that he does.
A Tip Of The Cap
Ever the biggest Liverpool fan has to be impressed with the effort Derby County put forth during the match. The club has a proud history, but have fallen on hard times as of late, as they were related to League One this season. But you could not tell it from the way they played. Not only was their defending outstanding, but they also garnered enough quality chances they could have won in regular time. No, Derby County didn't advance, but they did not back down from one of the giants of English football. That's something their supporters can be proud of.
LFC Globe Verdict
Ok, now everyone can take a deep breath. In a season that has been filled with big wins and stunning setbacks, the Reds almost suffered another one. Thanks to the sure hands of Kelleher, however, Liverpool is still alive on their quest to defend the Carabao Cup title. Even though the match was stressful, it was still a positive result.
Young players saw time on the pitch, first-team players got nearly a half hour of exercise and the entire team got to experience the ups and downs of a penalty shootout which can only help if they face another one later in the season. Accomplishing all that is not bad for a scoreless draw
Man Of The Match & What's Next
While Harvey Elliott delivered the penalty that sent Liverpool through to the next round, it is Kelleher's 3 saves in the shootout that earn him Man of the Match. Calvin Ramsay also deserves credit for a solid shift in his first Liverpool start and, as mentioned above, you can't help but be impressed with Derby County's effort.
What's Next
Liverpool return to EPL play Saturday, November 12th hosting Southhampton. Kickoff is set for 14:00 GMT.
Goals
Derby County
None
Liverpool
None
Penalties
Derby County
David McGoldrick, Louie Sibley
Liverpool
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott
Substitutes
Darby County
David McGoldrick for James Collins - 61'
Lewis Dobbin for William Osulu - 61'
Liam Tompson for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing - 71'
Jason Knight for Max Bird 90'+1'
Jake Rooney for Korey Smith 90'+1'
Liverpool
Roberto Firmino for Melkamu Frauendorf - 66'
'Darwin Nunez for Layton Stewart - 66'
Harvey Elliot for Bobby Clark - 66'
Ben Doak for Fabio Carvalho - 74'