Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has expressed his disappointment following the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, highlighting that only defender Virgil van Dijk could “hold his head up” after the match.
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Failure: Fowler Praises Van Dijk, Questions Team’s Effort
The loss marked a significant moment for Newcastle, who secured their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
The Magpies took the lead with a header from Dan Burn just before halftime, and Alexander Isak extended their advantage shortly after the break.
Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa managed to pull one back late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Fowler, reflecting on Liverpool’s performance, was critical of the team’s overall display but singled out van Dijk for his efforts.
He stated, “I’m not sure any player other than probably Virgil van Dijk can hold their head up.”
Fowler further commented on the team’s lack of key qualities, noting,
“It was a performance lacking in a little bit of everything, a little bit of grit, desire, that control of football in certain areas of the pitch.”
Despite Fowler’s praise, van Dijk faced challenges during the match. While he managed to contain Newcastle’s Isak for much of the game, he couldn’t prevent the Swedish striker from scoring the decisive second goal.
Chiesa’s contribution was a rare positive for Liverpool. Coming off the bench, the Italian forward scored a well-taken goal and posed a consistent threat to Newcastle’s defense.
Given his limited playing time this season, Chiesa’s performance was notable and may prompt manager Arne Slot to consider him more prominently in future matches.
The defeat capped a challenging week for Liverpool, who were also eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
The team’s lackluster performance in the Carabao Cup final has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, with many calling for introspection and a reassessment of strategies as the season progresses.
As Liverpool looks ahead, the focus will undoubtedly be on regrouping and addressing the issues highlighted in recent matches.
The resilience and leadership of players like van Dijk and the emerging potential of talents like Chiesa could play pivotal roles in the team’s efforts to bounce back in upcoming fixtures.
