AnalysisFive talking points from Liverpool's shootout victory over Derby
Liverpool defeated Derby County 3-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw at Anfield to progress into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Caoimhin Kelleher grabbed the headlines as he saved three spot-kicks in a topsy-turvy deciding shootout on Merseyside.
Here are five talking points from the fixture in L4…
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Youth handed a chance
Jürgen Klopp opted to make 11 changes for the third-round Carabao Cup clash.
The boss has utilised this competition in the past for bedding in players and giving a chance to those on the edges of his senior squad.
The Reds, though, fielded a whole new team, which included a debut for striker Layton Stewart alongside Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark and Melkamu Frauendorf.
There were also first starts of the campaign for summer signing Calvin Ramsay and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with Fabio Carvalho handed more minutes.
Joe Gomez was given the armband in the centre of defence, partnering Nathaniel Phillips, and Kostas Tsimikas also featured at the back, with Kelleher in goal.
Ben Doak was handed a debut from the bench as a second-half substitute, too, as youth provided the bedrock for progression.
Kelleher produces heroics - and sets club record
Following his exploits in this very competition last term, the goalkeeper was again providing the heroics between the posts.
Liverpool were forced to settle for penalties after an even contest where neither side fully threatened to break the deadlock with enough attacking intent throughout.
Kelleher, though, stepped up during the shootout to save three Derby penalties and help his side progress into the hat for the fourth round of the tournament.
The shot-stopper’s third save from Lewis Dobbin was a particular highlight as he threw himself to his right to palm away the effort from 12 yards, before Harvey Elliott sent the Reds through.
Incredibly, the Republic of Ireland No.1 has now won more penalty shootouts than any other Reds goalkeeper in club history (four) - having only featured 18 times.
Reds topple Derby again
For a third time in the club’s history Liverpool defeated Derby in the League Cup.
The Reds had met their Rams counterparts on two previous occasions in the competition, in 1977-78 and 2016-17 - with the former tie at home, while the latter took place at Pride Park.
In both meetings Liverpool ran out victors and it proved so that history would repeat itself on Wednesday night for a third occasion.
County’s run at Anfield also continued, having last claimed victory in L4 in 1998 when they travelled as a Premier League outfit.
Carabao Cup defence is up and running
An element of luck and skill is usually required when putting together a cup run.
Last term, Liverpool claimed a record ninth League Cup crown at Wembley in their 13th final in the competition overall.
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The Reds got their defence of the trophy up and away on the correct footing in front of a sold-out crowd.
Roll on December.
Fourth round awaits
The draw for the next phase of the competition takes place on Thursday night.
Liverpool will continue their defence after the win over the Rams with the fourth round due to be played in the week commencing December 19, once the season restarts following the FIFA World Cup.
The Reds will discover who they will come up against following Manchester United and Aston Villa’s clash at Old Trafford.
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