No third prize of the season for Chelsea. The Blues had to lose in a very exciting League Cup final against Liverpool in the penalty series: 11-10. Romelu Lukaku was again a Chelsea substitute, but had his added value according to the critical British press.
Vincent Van Genechten
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The Red Devil came in for Mason Mount in the 73rd minute. Lukaku got twice the chance to decide the match. In regular time, he forced Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to an excellent save with a deviation on a cross from Marcos Alonso. In overtime, Lukaku made the nets vibrate after an excellent run and dribble in the box. However, the goal was disallowed for narrow offside.
Lukaku then easily scored his penalty, but saw goalkeeper Kepa miss his, leaving Chelsea empty-handed. His performance earned the striker good points.
The Evening Standard – 8
“Lukaku Chelsea almost won the League Cup in extra time and was out of luck when VAR disallowed his goal in overtime when he appeared to be level with Liverpool’s last defender. But it was an encouraging performance from the bench and Lukaku also confidently kicked his penalty into the net.”
Sky Sports – 7
“His place on the bench and his difficulties at Chelsea were another big story towards this final. But twice Lukaku answered egg like that with his feet. His flick at the near post was well saved and his fine goal in overtime was disallowed. Lukaku was also denied an assist by Kai Havertz’s miss, but he did score his penalty.
The Daily Express – 6
“He had a bit of trouble initially being dangerous right after his comeback, but Lukaku almost won the game at the end. Albeit not that Kelleher brilliantly saved his bet with his feet. In overtime, Lukaku scored when he ran off Konaté and dribbled, but very narrow offside prevented this party from going on. Lukaku made no mistake on his eleven meter.”
The Daily Mail – 6
