Liverpool progressed to the semi-finals of the 2016/17 edition of the EFL Cup after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Leeds United at Anfield on November 29, 2016. The losing finalists of last year’s edition of the Cup ensured their fourth appearance in the semi-final stage of the competition in the last 6 years.
While it was a contest between a team which is currently second in the Premier League and a team in fifth spot in the second division of English football, there was special focus on the fixture between two sides who were once fierce rivals in the top division.
We take a look at the talking points of the game:
#1 Absence of regular stars gave opportunity to other Liverpool players to take centre stage
With injuries to Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge and Jurgen Klopp opting to exclude other regular players from the starting XI and the squad, the game provided a good opportunity for other players to stake a claim for more game time during the hectic festive period and also slot-in in the absence of the injured stars.
But the team’s performance wasn’t anywhere near the standards set by Liverpool in the Premier League and the hosts often seemed to struggle against their opponents from a lower division. Players like Alberto Moreno and Kevin Stewart will know that they should have done more to force themselves into Klopp’s plans.
But the team was lifted by the performances of young Trent Alexander-Arnold (who was adjudicated the Man of the Match) and Ovie Ejaria, goal-scorers Divock Origi and Ben Woodburn (more on them later) and the experienced defensive partnership of Ragnar Klavan and Lucas Leiva as the team did enough to win and progress to the next round.
#2 Leeds didn’t park the bus but managed to keep Liverpool quiet for very long
There has been a lot of talk in recent days about teams coming with a very defensive game against Liverpool after the team’s excellent start to the season. While it wasn’t the strongest XI named by Klopp, there was enough firepower in Liverpool’s attack to trouble any defence.
But the approach by the visiting Leeds side was very refreshing to watch. Not only did the team keep the hosts quiet for more than 75 mins in the game, they often threatened the Liverpool goal on multiple occasions.
From competing in the Champions League knockout stages in the early years of the 21st century to now languishing in the lower divisions of English football, the club has seen a huge decline. But the team managed by Garry Monk have showed promise of a revival in fortunes, and on the evidence of the performance in the game, they seem to be on the right track.
#3 Visitors left wondering what match result could have been if Kemar Roofe’s shot had gone in
Cheered on by the mighty impressive and loud support of the visiting fans, the Leeds team not only kept the Liverpool attack quiet but also threatened to cause a huge upset by creating goal-scoring chances.
With the score level at 0-0 in the 53rd minute and Liverpool struggling to trouble the Leeds defence, Kemar Roofe gave Simon Mignolet and the Reds a huge scare when his curling shot from the edge of the box hit the post.
Leeds had another golden opportunity to go ahead in the game when Kyle Bartley got a free header from a corner in the 64th minute but somehow managed to head it wide from 6 yards.
#4 Divock Origi continues to enhance his reputation at Liverpool
Divock Origi took full advantage of a rare start for Liverpool and scored the team’s crucial first goal yet again for a second consecutive game.
The Belgian international showcased his goal-poaching instincts by latching on to an excellent cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold to give the home side a much-needed lead at a time when the possibility of an upset win for Leeds had started looking increasingly likely.
With Klopp’s preferred attacking trio of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane doing very well in the Premier League and Daniel Sturridge being the first choice replacement striker, Origi’s participation has been limited so far in the season. But the injuries to Coutinho and Sturridge give him a chance to get an extended run in the team and Origi will hope to take full advantage by cementing a spot for himself in the starting XI.
#5 Ben Woodburn announces his arrival on the big stage
The icing on the cake for Liverpool was the second goal scored by young striker Ben Woodburn. A product of the club academy, Woodburn became the youngest ever player to score for Liverpool at the age of 17 years and 45 days (beating Michael Owen’s record by more than 3 months).
There had been a lot of buzz around the teenager after he made rapid strides with the youth team and had an impressive pre-season with the first team.
Klopp showed faith in Woodburn and brought him on with the game still level at 0-0 and Woodburn’s well taken goal ensured that Liverpool were able to wrap up the game and secure progress to the semifinals.
On 29 November 1998, Steven Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool. Exactly 18 years later, Ben Woodburn announced his arrival on the big stage by scoring in front of the Kop.
