120 minutes were not enough to decide the winner in the league cup final as the match went to a breath-taking penalty shootout which was eventually clinched by Manchester City.
Fernandinho opened the scoring with a narrow angled shot which should have been saved by Mignolet but Coutinho fired the equalizer at 83 minutes bringing the reds back in the game. Here is a look at how the players performed in this grueling encounter.
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
In-spite of the initial howler and letting a narrow-angled shot past him, the keeper managed two fingertip saves to deny Aguero one on one.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Kept making those full back runs to torment the city defence and also managed to hold Sterling most of the game.
Lucas Leiva – 7/10
Kept working hard throughout the game and played the perfect role of a center back not allowing too much space at the back. His role was vital in the extra time. Missed a penalty though.
Mamadou Sakho – 5/10
Had a nasty blow when his head clashed with Can. There was a dip in his performance post that. Lost his footing in the 6 yard box allowing Aguero a one on one chance against Mignolet.
Alberto Moreno – 5/10
In the opening minutes managed to get a shot on target but his presence was almost negligible in the game after that.
Emre Can – 6/10
Kept providing the ball to Firmino and Coutinho and also kept pressing while defending but no significant contribution towards the goal.
Jordan Henderson – 7.5/10
The skipper was up to his mark in covering the major portion of the midfield and was also holding back when needed. Overall a good effort.
James Milner – 7/10
Made a lot of runs from the side and kept nagging Clichy, Had a very good chance on goal but blasted wide. Also managed to get in some good crosses.
Roberto Firmino – 5.5/10
A very lackluster display with no spark in his game. Again lacking the strength and the conviction of a forward.
Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
Played well in the first half, but his actual game came into life in the second half. Also fired the equalizer late in the game.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Not at his best but at the same time showed determination throughout the game. Could not get a shot on target though.
Substitutes
Kolo Toure – 7/10
Came on to replace the struggling Sakho and defended well the entire game. Cleared lots of dipping crosses inside the six yard box.
Adam Lallana – 6/10
Managed to show his flair in the later part of the game. But missed a crucial penalty in the shootout.
Divock Origi – 6.5/10
Got very less game time but managed to create couple of really good chances within the box. His header was saved brilliantly by Caballero towards the end of the game.
