Chelsea player ratings: Attack blunted in Carabao Cup final defeat as Djordje Petrovic impresses

The expensively-assembled forward line, and substitutes, were unable to make a youthful Liverpool side pay at Wembley
Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP25 February 2024

Virgil van Dijk headed home the winner in the 117th-minute as Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the Carabao Cup and claim the first trophy of the season.

A pulsating match appeared to be heading for penalties before Van Dijk glanced Kostas Tsimikas' corner across Djordje Petrovic to ensure Jurgen Klopp will win at least one trophy in his final season in charge.

Both sides had goals disallowed by the VAR in ordinary time, Raheem Sterling's close-range finish ruled out for a tight offside against Nicolas Jackson and Van Dijk's header chalked off because Wataru Endo was in an offside position.

Both teams also struck the base of the post, Liverpool through Cody Gakpo and Chelsea via Conor Gallagher, while each goalkeeper made several fine saves.

Here's how we rated the Chelsea players...

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Djordje Petrovic 9

Made a series of smart saves, including a finger-tip effort to deny Jayden Danns and a reaction stop with his leg from Harvey Elliott, both in extra-time. Powerless for Van Dijk's brilliant winner.

Malo Gusto 7

Given a tough examination by Luis Diaz but largely stood up well to the winger one-on-one. Lacked a final ball on more than one occasion in the final third.

Axel Disasi 8

Made a number of important interventions in another encouraging display in which Thiago Silva was not especially missed.

Levi Colwill 7

Initially struggled with the ferocity of Liverpool's press but grew into the game. Denied Conor Bradley with a goal-saving block in the first half.

Ben Chilwell 6

Several attacks broke down at his feet and he looked a bit rusty defensively in the face of Liverpool's press.

Enzo Fernandez 6

Fluffed a good opening in the box in the first half. Final ball was missing but put himself about.

Moises Caicedo 7

Lucky to escape punishment for planting his studs on Ryan Gravenberch's ankle, forcing the Liverpool midfielder off on a stretcher. Recovered from a jittery start to have a solid game, snapping into tackles to break up Liveprool's flow.

Conor Gallagher denied
AP

Raheem Sterling 5

Thought he had given Chelsea the lead from Jackson's cross but the offside flag was up. Wasted a couple of decent openings with poor control.

Conor Gallagher 7

Should have done better when 1v1 with Caoimhin Kelleher before curling another shot just wide. Earlier swept an effort onto the post. Gave everything but ultimately lacked end product.

Cole Palmer 7

Denied certain goals by an outstanding Kelleher saves either side of half-time. Grew in stature as the game went on and saw plenty of the ball in the second half.

Nicolas Jackson 5

Unlucky to be flagged marginally offside ahead of squaring for Sterling to score in the first half. Created a chance for Gallagher shortly before he was subbed but largely struggled to make inroads against Liverpool's defenders.

Subs

Christopher Nkunku (Sterling 67') 4

Offered little penetration in the final third.

Mykhailo Mudryk (Jackson 89') 5

Got into a few decent positions but couldn't hurt Liverpool.

Noni Madueke (Gallagher 97') 5

Full of willing running but lacked a final ball.

Trevoh Chalobah (Chilwell 112') 5

Not used: Sanchez, Bettinelli, Gilchrist, Tauriainen, Gee.

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