Chelsea claimed an impressive draw at Manchester City to ensure they will go into next weekend’s Carabao Cup final full of confidence, but they face a difficult test against Liverpool
Jamie Carragher has backed Liverpool to win next week’s Carabao Cup final, despite Chelsea claiming a surprise point at Manchester City.
The Blues went into their trip to the Premier League leaders with little expectations of a positive result. But Raheem Sterling’s late in the first-half put them ahead, before a backs-to-the-wall defensive masterclass after the break.
Their barriers were finally broken down with eight minutes to go when Rodri smashed home an equaliser. But it was a performance that will leave them full of confidence heading into next week’s showpiece event at Wembley.
Though Mauricio Pochettino’s men impressed at the Etihad, Carragher still believes that it is advantage Liverpool. The Reds legend did insist it will be a tight game, with the Blues having sent Jurgen Klopp’s side a warning over the quality of their counter-attacking.
“Chelsea had to take something from the game into the cup final. You had to build some belief,” Carragher said after seeing Chelsea claim that impressive point away at Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Playing away at Man City is a tougher game than playing Liverpool at Wembley. Liverpool’s injuries as well, I think it will be a tight game. I think Liverpool will just have the edge.”
Chelsea boss Pochettino is hopeful his side can now gain some momenteum after their display on Saturday evening. He hailed his men for a “great performance” as he admitted his side were not yet at City’s level.
“For us this was a really important game to keep the momentum, to realise that we are in a good way, improving. Still we are not at the level of Manchester City but that is our aim,” Pochettino said.
“We are a very young team that needs to live these kind of games to improve and to create the spirit that we need to show in every single game. Football is not only about quality, it is about being competitive.
“Today the team began to show that we can be competitive also and play well. Today was a great performance. We scored first and the first half was a very good game. I’m so pleased and I told the players this and congratulate them because the effort was massive.
“The spirit we showed today is the way we want to compete. With the talent we have in all the areas, we will reach the level we expect. I’m so pleased because to play a team that is the best in the world is never easy.
“Today the character and personality the team showed made me very happy. It’s not about our capacity to prepare for the game, it is about the players delivering the job and playing to the level that we showed. They showed character today.”
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