5 talking points as Liverpool book Carabao Cup final spot after Fulham scare
Liverpool will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final after working hard and digging into all their reserves to overcome Fulham in their semi-final second leg.
Jurgen Klopp's Reds took a narrow 2-1 advantage into the second leg, having come from behind to win at Anfield. They took less than 15 minutes to extend their advantage, with Luis Diaz's deflected effort squirming beyong home goalkeeper Bernd Leno and into the bottom corner.
Fulham battled back, with Andreas Pereira firing against the post from a narrow angle early in the second half, while Darwin Nunez was inches away from doubling Liverpool's lead on the night. An Issa Diop goal 15 minutes from time worried the visitors but it wasn't enough, with Liverpool now preparing to face Chelsea at Wembley after the Blues' demolition of Middlesbrough.
Going into the game, both teams knew a match-up with Chelsea would be the reward for making it through to Wembley. Mauricio Pochettino's Blues went through in style on Tuesday night, putting six goals past Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.
Fulham were aware they would need to balance chasing a goal with keeping a frightening Liverpool team at bay, and they were almost caught out early when Luis Diaz headed off-target. At the other end, though, Caoimhin Kelleher was almost caught out by a mishit Timothy Castagne cross before Joao Palhinha volleyed over from a fantastic position.
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The hosts made Kelleher really earn his keep, with the Irishman needing to be alert to push away a dangerous Antonee Robinson delivery before Bobby Decordova-Reid could pounce. Liverpool were still dangerous, though, and Leno will have felt he should have done better with Diaz's 12th-minute effort.
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Luis Diaz put Liverpool in front inside 15 minutes (AFP via Getty Images)A second Liverpool goal on the night was chalked off, with Darwin Nunez straying offside before hitting the post and seeing the rebound slotted beyond Leno. Diop's well-taken effort rallied the home fans and worried the visitors, but in the end it wasn't quite enough. Here are Mirror Football 's talking points from a busy night under the lights.
1. A tale of two keepers
With the game so delicately poised before kick-off, there was every chance it would turn on narrow margins. Goalkeepers would need to be at their best, and Bernd Leno was anything but that early on.
After some sharp play from opposite number Kelleher early on, Fulham's German stopper was less convincing. Yes, Diaz's shot took a deflection - possibly two of them - but he was still very slow to get to ground.
Caoimhin Kelleher needed to make some important first-half interventions (ISABEL INFANTES/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Kelleher was called upon again just after the half-hour mark, getting down sharply to push a Raul Jimenez effort away from the bottom corner, and needed a firm hand to keep out Harry Wilson at 1-1. Sometimes, though, a keeper can live or die on whether his nervy moments are punished.
In Kelleher's case, he'll be breathing a sigh of relief after getting away with one. He was firmly second best when challenging Tosin for a high ball, leading to a golden chance for Pereira, but the Fulham man couldn't squeeze the ball into the unguarded net.
2. Bradley won't let himself be targeted
Conor Bradley's run at right-back continued at Craven Cottage, and Fulham appeared ready to target the youngster from the get-go. Left-back Robinson felt as though he was playing as a winger at times, with Willian floating left to support the American up against Bradley.
Conor Bradley gave as good as he got against Fulham (Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)There were challenges, of course, with the 20-year-old caught too high upfield to leave space for a Fulham attack after the break. However, he didn't appear rattled, returning to his task and still finding time to support his own team's attacks, on one occasion winning the ball back high to provide Ryan Gravenberch with a shooting chance.
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders indicated before the game that Trent Alexander-Arnold, the first-choice in Bradley's position, may be available to face Norwich City in the FA Cup. Even if this proves to be Bradley's final game for a while, he hasn't looked one bit out of place.
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3. Robertson's return welcome for Reds
You have to go back more than three months for the last time Andy Robertson took to the field in a Liverpool shirt. He completed the full 90 minutes against Brighton on October 8, only to suffer a shoulder injury four days later while playing for Scotland.
With the experienced defender unavailable, Klopp has tried a number of approaches on the left. He even opted to recall Owen Beck from loan, giving the youngster a Premier League debut at Bournemouth, while it was Joe Gomez who started on the left against Fulham.
Robertson wasn't called upon on this occasion, but just seeing his name on the bench feels like a boost. He could be crucial for Liverpool between now and May.
4. Elliott can benefit from Salah absence
Harvey Elliott impressed against his former club (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)There was a moment towards the end of the first half when Harvey Elliott showed a real moment of quality. First there was his note-perfect collection of the ball, and then he sent in a curling, terrifying ball which the Fulham defence had no answer for.
Darwin Nunez wasn't quite able to bring that one under his spell, but Elliott conducting at will is something the Reds may find themselves getting used to in the coming weeks. Mohamed Salah's injury may impact how Klopp's team use the ball down the right, regardless of how soon Trent Alexander-Arnold is back ready to play a full 90, and that means opportunities for their number 19.
Some members of the home crowd looked to remind their former charge where he came from, but Elliott wasn't letting that distract him. He was cool and calm on the ball throughout, slowing play down and speeding it up as the moments dictated.
5. Liverpool out to avoid Chelsea revenge mission
The 2022 final went the distance, with Liverpool winning on penalties (Getty Images)The final is a repeat of the 2022 showpiece, which came in a season where Liverpool beat Chelsea in both domestic cup finals. While the FA Cup final was a drab affair, the February meeting was far more entertaining as far as goalless draws go.
That game will be best remembered for an epic penalty shoot-out. Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was brought on for the spot-kicks, but ended up skying his effort to make Kelleher Liverpool's match-winner.
Since those two finals, Liverpool and Chelsea have played out three further draws in the Premier League. Will something give next time out, or might we e in line for penalties once again?
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