Liverpool won the season’s first domestic cup in a tense penalty shootout following a memorable Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was introduced as a penalty specialist in the closing stages of extra time, missed the decisive spot-kick after a beautiful game came down to a shoot-out between Chelsea’s keeper and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher made it 11 from 11, but Kepa soared crazily over the top as a high-class showcase was settled by the tiniest of margins following 21 successful tries.
Chelsea, who had three goals disallowed for offside, rued two massive mistakes by Mason Mount but were grateful for a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who made several outstanding stops.
Liverpool produced numerous chances and had a Joel Matip goal disallowed for a foul and offside in an action-packed encounter that came down to the wire before Jurgen Klopp’s side won for a record seventh League Cup victory.