Carabao Cup Final: Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea - Player Ratings

Virgil van Dijk produced a 118th minute winner to lead Liverpool to a dramatic 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup final over Chelsea.

Liverpool started incredibly brightly, hounding the Chelsea defence during the early stages in search of an opener.

However, the Blues began to grow into the game, and would have gone in front on the 20-minute mark if not for Caoimhin Kelleher, who produced an awe-inspiring diving save to deny Cole Palmer.

Jurgen Klopp's injury problems were then further exacerbated as Ryan Gravenberch was forced off after a poor challenge from Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea gave Liverpool a scare as Raheem Sterling put the ball into the net, only for Nicolas Jackson to be ruled offside in the build-up.

But as half-time drew nearer, it was Cody Gakpo who came closest, heading onto the post with five minutes to play.

After the break, Liverpool appeared to take the lead through Virgil van Dijk, who directed a header past Dorde Petrovic from an Andy Robertson free-kick.

However, in a baffling turn of events, the goal was ruled out for offside against Wataru Endo - who had apparently blocked off Levi Colwill as the set-piece was whipped in. Not like that happens in every free-kick that's ever been taken.

Rejuvenated by the actions of Chris Kavanagh, it was Chelsea's turn to hit the woodwork, with Conor Gallagher seeing his effort strike the inside of the post.

The Londoners continued to threaten, with Kelleher called into action a few more times - but they couldn't find a goal to prevent extra time.

The game looked destined to go to penalties - but with a minute to play, the captain came up with the goods once again, heading home from Kostas Tsimikas' corner to win it.

Liverpool are ten-time League Cup champions. And they did with half the kids on the pitch.

Here are the player ratings from the final.

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Caoimhin Kelleher (GK): 9

Produced one of the saves of his career after 20 minutes, denying Cole Palmer from point blank range with an incredible diving save to keep the score goalless. Then burst off his line to meet Gallagher when the midfielder was one-on-one late on. Are we sure Alisson wasn't in net?

Conor Bradley (RB): 8

Always on the front foot in the first-half, nicking the ball away from Chelsea in their own final third on numerous occasions to spark attacks. Simply a bundle of energy down that right-hand side while also being defensively sound, at least prior to his move into right-wing. Strangely booked after Ben Chilwell tried to provoke a reaction from him, only for the youngster to remain completely unfazed. Began to tire a bit and subbed.

Ibrahima Konate (CB): 7

Largely uneventful first-half for Konate, but was there when called upon. Had an intriguing one-on-one battle with Nicolas Jackson throughout the contest, although was lucky to see Gallagher's effort hit the post after the Englishman had strayed away from his marker. Put in a few massive challenges as the Blues looked for a late winner. Subbed in extra time.

Virgil van Dijk (CB): 10

Produced a couple of important interventions while Liverpool were on the front foot, then was equally assured while Chelsea began to ramp up the pressure. Headed home a completely legal opener only for English officiating to rear its ugly head. Then with a minute of extra time to play, the leader came up with the goods once again to win it. No ruling that one out.

Andy Robertson (LB): 7

A presence going forward, whipping in a couple enticing deliveries during the opening stages. However, was caught out for Chelsea's first real chance of the game, finding himself completely out of position to leave Van Dijk up against in on the left-hand side. Curled in a delightful free-kick for Van Dijk to head in, only to be robbed of an assist by VAR. Subbed.

Wataru Endo (DM): 7

A warrior in the midfield, constantly getting stuck in the challenge and coming away from midfield with possession. Started the second-half as he meant to continue, delightfully putting Diaz through with a slide-rule pass.

Alexis Mac Allister (CM): 8

After enjoying a really bright start, Mac Allister was the focal point of Liverpool's play, passing well and helping drive Liverpool forward. Also strong defensively, retrieving possession when Chelsea threatened. After such a shift, began to get a bit leggy and was subbed.

Ryan Gravenberch (CM): 6

Unable to really get into the game before Caicedo crocked him. He joins the long list of Liverpool injuries. Subbed.

Harvey Elliott (RW): 7

Majority of Liverpool's early attacking play came through this man, and he remained a constant source of attacking impetus as he moved into midfield. Bouncing volley needed saving from Petrovic, before a similar effort struck the side netting in extra time. Came so close to a headed winner.

Cody Gakpo (ST): 5

Pretty anonymous until heading onto the post towards the tail-end of the half. Despite playing another 40 odd minutes, that would really be it in terms of involvement. Subbed.

Luis Diaz (LW): 7

Diaz was certainly not short of effort throughout this game - but as has been the problem for much of recent times, his end product was hit and miss. Forced Petrovic into action on a couple of occasions, but was also guilty of holding onto the ball for too long when Liverpool were in decent positions. Always a bundle of energy, though, and arguably the most lively in Liverpool red.

Substitutes:

Joe Gomez (Gravenberch, 28'): 6

Forced into action earlier than he would have thought. Pretty sound at right back and his shot at glory late in the first-half, stinging the palms of Petrovic. Absolutely had to be hit.

Bobby Clark (Bradley, 73'): 6

Had his moments after coming on and wasn't shy of putting in effort.

Jayden Danns (Gakpo, 87'): 7

Tested the acrobatics of Petrovic in extra time as he directed a header towards goal.

James McConnell (Mac Allister, 87'): 6

Helped see out the 90 minutes, and put in a couple brilliant challenges in extra time.

Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson, 87'): 6

Set pieces and passing had quite a lot to be desired - at least until he crossed in the winner.

Jarell Quansah (Konate, 106'): 6

Composed at the back.