Chelsea v Liverpool player ratings: Kepa has shootout disaster, Mount squanders, Havertz impressive
Both sides’ ten outfielders and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher had scored their spot-kicks when Kepa, who replaced Edouardy Mendy for the dying seconds of extra time, skimmed his effort.
Both teams have goals disallowed followed by VAR checks, with Joel Matip’s second-half header ruled out by referee Stuart Atwell because Virgil van Dijk was offside and interfering with play, and substitute Romelu Lukaku seeing an overtime strike canceled for a fractional offside.
The flag went up after Kai Havertz smashed home in overtime.
A succession of brilliant chances were also begging at either end, with Chelsea particularly wasting in the final and Liverpool finding Mendy in inspired form.
Dan Kilpatrick was at Wembley to rate Chelsea players…
Edouard Mendy 9
Justified his inclusion with a series of crucial interventions, including a brilliant double save to deny Naby Keita and Sadio Mane, and a flying save from Virgil van Dijk. His only mistake in a brilliant display was a loose kick which led to a chance for Mohamed Salah.
Antonio Rudiger 8
Menacing and composed in equal measure in a remarkable display to the right of the back three. Helped ensure Salah was, for the most part, under control.
Thiago Silva 7
He raced to knock Salah’s dink off the line in a solid performance. Caught at the back post for Liverpool’s disallowed goal – but spared by VAR.
Trevoh Chalobah 6
After a tough review by Luis Diaz, he was caught napping when the winger ran behind him and forced another save from Mendy. Immediately happier when the Portuguese came out and broke through the defense to create Lukaku’s disallowed extra-time goal. Showed a lot of nerve to score his penalty at 10-9.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7
Defensively disciplined and efficient going forward, creating a first chance for Pulisic and firing with a left-footed piledriver. Sent off with a kick early in the second half.
Mateo Kovacic8
Grew up in the game with an energetic and simple display in the middle of the park. Involved in many of Chelsea’s most promising moments.
N’Golo Kante 7
Never stopped running and seemingly always in the right place to hook the ball during times under pressure from Liverpool. His last ball was erratic, however. Scored a nice penalty.
Marcos Alonso 7
He had his hands full with Salah but did well and came forward at every opportunity. Shot straight at Kelleher in one of Chelsea’s many chances in the second half. Brought back his penalty.
Christian Pulisic 7
He missed a great chance to give Chelsea a perfect start when he shot Kelleher after five minutes and had another harder effort blocked by the goalkeeper before half-time. He was more effective as a creator than a finisher, setting up Mount with a sublime pass.
Mason Mount 5
Missed golden chances either side of the half, volleying wide then hitting the base of the post in a pointless performance.
Kai Havertz 8
Missed a one-on-one with Kelleher, albeit in an offside position, but impressed as a creator and with his holdup play. Created chances for Azpilicueta and Mount, as he put together Chelsea’s best attacks. Scored a cool kick.
Substitutes
Reece James (Azpilicueta 57′) 6
Looked rusty on his return from injury and was all at sea for Matip’s disallowed goal. But gradually he worked his way into the game and scored in the shootout.
Romelu Lukaku (Mount 73′) 8
Almost successful in stoppage time and unlucky to have a goal disallowed by VAR in extra time when he looked level with the last man. An encouraging display from the bench and a confident penalty.
Timo Werner (Pulisic 73′) 7
Added a new dimension to Chelsea’s attack with his pace down the left flank but generally struggled to stay wide and finish opportunities. Somehow, his penalty crashed under Kelleher’s hand.
Jorginho (Kovacić 106′) 6
Fresh legs for the second period of extra time and scored his penalty in trademark fashion.
Kepa (Mendy 119′) 2
The shootout specialist failed to save 11 Liverpool penalties and then missed his effort in a disastrous appearance.
Not used: Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Hudson-Odoi, Sarr.
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