Carabao Cup 2018-19: Three reasons why Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 

#2 Determination and desire to hold on

Fabregas put in the defensive shift when required

Clearly, Chelsea were way off the pace in the second-half. Chances were created and offered to Liverpool on a platter. While Christensen played Sturridge in with a back pass, Barkley blindly directed a header towards Caballero knowing little about the presence of Mane.

Firstly, credit to Caballero for making two crucial saves. Although both those open chances could have easily been dispatched, the Argentine shot-stopper closed Mane and Sturridge down decisively. Sturridge struck the frame of the goal once as well. Shaqiri constantly caused problems to Emerson.

Apart from that, Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley competently supported the defence. They avoided long shots, ran the extra yards and closed players down. Thanks to their contribution, Caballero faced lesser shots on his goal than he should have. In the end, the visitors covered more kilometres than their opponents.

Their hunger to search for chances despite being a goal down and on the wrong side of the run of play deserves a huge bow. Sometimes, attractive football may not get the team over the line. It requires drive, determination and desire to hold on.