Liverpool players celebrate Carabao Cup victory after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday.
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Van Dijk’s Header Seals Carabao Cup Victory For Liverpool

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Defender Virgil van Dijk headed in a 118th minute winner to seal the Carabao Cup for Liverpool after beating Chelsea 1-0 in a fierce encounter at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Liverpool started with Cody Gakpo in attack, with Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliot on the wings. For Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson led the line while Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer supported on the flanks.

Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was tested early on in the match as he was called into action, twice saving from Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz. At the other end, Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher produced a brilliant save to deny Palmer.

Chelsea winger Cole Palmer misses chance against Liverpool.

Chelsea winger Sterling thought he had opened the scoring, but VAR ruled Jackson offside in the build-up. Moments later, Gakpo then rattled Chelsea post with a header.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk thought he had headed Liverpool in front from a free-kick, but midfielder Wataru Endo was caught offside in the build-up as he blocked Chelsea’s Levi Colwill from reaching Van Dijk.

Midfielder Conor Gallagher then missed a chance to score for Chelsea and moments later, the Englishman was denied by the onrushing goalkeeper Kelleher.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saves effort from Chlesea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Both sides failed to find the net after 90 minutes as the match went to extra-time.

In extra-time, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott struck the post from a close-range header as goalkeeper Petrovic made the angle tight.

However, with two minutes left of extra-time, Liverpool finally found the breakthrough. Van Dijk rose highest from a corner kick to divert a powerful header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Petrovic to send the fans at Wembley into a frenzy.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (L) scores goal against Chelsea.

With penalties looming, Liverpool’s young team found a way past Chelsea’s defence to score the decisive goal to end the highly entertaining encounter as the match finished 1-0 to Liverpool at Wembley.

It is the 10th time Liverpool have won this cup, securing its position as the most successful team in the history of the competition ahead of Manchester City (8).

“It is easily the most special trophy I have ever won. Its absolutely exceptional,” said Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp.

“I wish i cold feel pride more often. Tonight was an overwhelming feeling.”

Liverpool’s 10th triumph in the competition was achieved without a host of injured star names, including Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, goalkeeper Alisson and Diogo Jota.

It means Jurgen Klopp’s side have achieved the first part of a potential four-trophy haul in the manager’s farewell season.

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