Liverpool progress in Fizzy Cup after Chelsea miss three penalties
Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Fizzy Cup on Wednesday, advancing after a penalty shootout that saw Valentín Barco, Emanuel Emegha and Wesley Fofana fail to convert; Liverpool move into the competition’s quarter-finals.
A string of high-profile players had previously missed decisive spot-kicks against Liverpool, with Arjen Robben, Geremi, Tammy Abraham, César Azpilicueta, Mason Mount and Kepa Arrizabalaga all failing from the spot in four consecutive post-match deciders against the Merseysiders across 19 years and four different competitions. The two managers made a combined 11 changes to their starting lineups for the tie. "This is football, this is part of our job," sighed Xabi Alonso, over the sound of screeching brakes and shattering glass. "We played with courage, the game was close with not many chances for both sides. It is a small setback because it is probably the least important competition for us."
The three misses on Wednesday extended that unusual Liverpool streak; the report described Barco as a "flame-haired Argentinian irritant", Emegha as "a striker we’d never previously heard of before yesterday" and Fofana as "a defensive liability whose boots increasingly look to have been welded on to the wrong feet". Any remaining doubt over the outcome was removed when Fofana’s penalty was sent so wildly off target it was said to be more of a threat to the windscreens of passing motorists on nearby Walton Breck Road than to Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goal.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso was criticised for leaving 19-year-old Estêvão on the bench despite calls from travelling supporters for the introduction of "Steve-oh!" and for not replacing the absent Cole Palmer with the Brazilian. The report added: "I understand his situation and that he could be happier for sure," he parped of a future superstar who has spent just 172 minutes on the pitch under his watch.
Liverpool’s progression brings a tie with Bournemouth next; the matchup was described as an awkward reunion for Andoni Iraola with the club he left behind. Iraola said: "Honestly, I was talking before the draw and I said: 'The only team I don’t want is Bournemouth'," he sighed. "For me, it’s special. They know me very well. They are playing very well lately, in a good moment but it is what it is."
Readers were invited to follow further live coverage elsewhere in the Football Daily output: "Join Scott Murray from 7.45pm GMT for hot Carling Cup fourth-round updates from Everton 1-2 Newcastle and Sarah Rendell for Women’s Bigger Cup action from Manchester City 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain." Separately, James McClean and Derry City confirmed a mutual agreement to terminate McClean’s contract with immediate effect. "I am pleased that we have reached a resolution to settle these matters. While my return to the club did not work out as I had hoped, Derry City FC will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank the fans for their support, and I wish the squad, the management, staff, and the supporters the very best for the future" – James McClean. The forward had not played for the club since July.
The newsletter also carried reader correspondence, including Jim Geissman’s line: "The reaction when Fleetwood made the final penalty was the best example I’ve ever seen of pandemonium!" A longer reader note recalled Harry Kane’s first goal at Orient and covered after-match conversations about shipping four goals in the second half, new signing Gary Madine, and spectators watching from balconies; the contributor added a memory of Dean Cox having a very good game and a reflection that Kane did not stand out at the time. Another reader, Alan, wrote: "Work in silence. Let success be your voice". The edition closed with an invitation to submit letters to the.boss@theguardian.com, noted that today’s prizeless letter o’ the day goes to Jim Geissman, and pointed readers to the terms and conditions for competitions when they run.
Liverpool will now host Bournemouth in the Fizzy Cup quarter-finals.