Virgil van Dijk scored the decisive goal late in extra time as Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
An eventful final was heading towards a goalless draw until Van Dijk rose to meet Kostas Tsimikas’ corner kick, glancing into the far corner to decide the final.
Both teams had huge chances to win the game with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher making superb saves in either half from Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher, while the latter also struck the post as Chelsea pushed for an opener.
Van Dijk had the ball in the net in normal time but saw his headed effort ruled out for an offside against Wataru Endo, but found his breakthrough as the Reds regrouped in extra time.
Liverpool’s victory, their 10th League Cup win, came despite having a host of senior names missing, while the club’s injury problems were added to by Ryan Gravenberch’s first-half withdrawal with an ankle problem.
Academy graduates Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jayden Danns all featured prominently as Liverpool ended the contest with six u-21 players on the pitch.
Asked how much this triumph meant, Van Dijk spoke on his pride at the performance from a young Liverpool team.
“So much. All the young boys on the pitch, in extra time. It’s incredible, I’m so proud of the team,” the Dutchman said to Sky Sports.
“Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain, it’s all for the fans so let’s enjoy it.
“It’s emotion, it’s everything I am so proud of the boys. All of the young boys playing their part in what we achieved today it’s incredible and on to more.
“You should always savour the good moments, this is definitely one of them,” Van Dijk said when asked if Liverpool are savouring their final months under Jurgen Klopp.
“Listen, we will never take things for granted and you see today it could have been the other was as well that we lost but we did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game.
“I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.”
