‘Surprised’… Gary Neville review why he couldn’t believe what £50m Chelsea player did vs Liverpool in Carabao Cup final

Gary Neville was surprised by Raheem Sterling’s decision-making in the first half of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling had half a chance after the ball was put into the box, but he took a touch instead of shooting first time and was unable to get a shot away in the end.

Gary Neville, who was commentating on the cup final at Wembley for Sky Sports (25/02/2025 at 15:20), was surprised that the winger tried to control the ball instead of shooting straight away.

Cole Palmer was still able to test the goalkeeper from the attack, but Caoimhin Kelleher was able to make a fantastic save to deny the Chelsea attacker.

The Blues’ next game is another cup tie, with Mauricio Pochettino‘s men taking on Leeds United in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

Gary Neville surprised by Raheem Sterling in first half
Neville thought Sterling should have shot during the attack he had in the first 45 minutes instead of trying to take a touch.

On the 29-year-old, the former Manchester United defender said: “I have to say, I was surprised that Raheem Sterling didn’t hit that first time, just coming into it.”

Will Raheem Sterling still be a Chelsea player next season?
Right now, Sterling’s future at Chelsea does not seem to be 100% certain.

According to journalist Dean Jones, some figures at Stamford Bridge are happy to move the England international on in the summer.

Chelsea signed Sterling from Manchester City in 2022 for £50m (BBC Sport), but he has not really lived up to expectations in west London.

In his first season at the club, Sterling scored just six goals in 28 Premier League appearances. He has already matched that this term, but Chelsea fans would have been expecting a bit more from a forward of his calibre.

Still, Sterling has shown some improvement in the current campaign, netting against City last weekend.