Giorgi Mamardashvili was the hero as Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, with the goalkeeper saving twice in the shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.
The Georgia international, playing in his second season at Liverpool, made a decisive contribution during the game and the subsequent shoot-out. His excellent second-half save denied Chelsea substitute Marco Palestra, and he later repelled Emmanuel Emegha's sudden-death effort. Wesley Fofana then ballooned his penalty to hand Liverpool the win, with the Reds squad racing to engulf Mamardashvili in front of the Kop.
Mamardashvili's Decisive Night
Mamardashvili, who arrived at Anfield with a reputation for saving penalties, was relied upon again when Chelsea had the chance to win the shoot-out in sudden death through debutant substitute Emegha. Kostas Tsimikas, who was well off target with his own penalty, led the relieved celebrations.
Mamardashvili will have another fixture to look forward to in December. On this evidence, it is very much merited.
Gakpo and Gravenberch Struggle
Cody Gakpo's well-taken penalty dragged Liverpool level shortly after going behind, his 11th goal in 14 appearances in the competition. He later converted his spot kick in the shoot-out, but this was not his best evening as he was involved in too many nearly things while playing down the centre of the attack.
Ryan Gravenberch also struggled, with his rash challenge on Moises Caicedo gifting Morgan Rogers the chance to put Chelsea ahead from 12 yards. There was a sense of inevitability when the midfielder put his shoot-out effort too close to goalkeeper Mike Penders, who made a straightforward save. The constant churn of games and injuries mean Gravenberch will continue to be an important player for Andoni Iraola.
Henderson Targeted by the Kop
Jordan Henderson, operating in a number 10 role for the visitors, had his every touch jeered by a significant section of the Kop. The one-time Liverpool captain has ended up with the Londoners as his fourth different club since leaving Anfield just over three years ago.
The victory means Liverpool have now lost to Chelsea only twice in their last 14 meetings in league and cup. It sets up another reunion, with Iraola's former club Bournemouth visiting for their quarter-final in mid-December. With a fifth successive triumph in all competitions, the last three of which have been at home, Arsenal will provide the ultimate test on Sunday.
