Manchester City lifted the 2015-16 League Cup winning 3-1 on penalties, after the game ended in a stalemate after 120 minutes.
Fernandinho put the Citizens in front shortly after the halftime break, his shot falling under Liverpool shot-stopper Simon Mignolet. With just seven minutes of normal time remaining though, Phillipe Coutinho was standing on ceremony to tap home the equalising goal after Adam Lallana had hit the post.
Liverpool looked to have control of the penalty shootout, Emre Can’s cheeky paneka put them in front after Fernandinho’s shot cannoned off the woodwork. However, consecutive misses from Lucas, Coutinho, and Lallana gave the Sky Blues the chance to win their third and possibly last trophy under Manuel Pellegrini.
Here are the best and worst performers from the cup final.
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Best three performers
Willy Caballero (Manchester City)
The Argentine goalkeeper shrugged off his critics and played a huge role in the victory. Caballero was helpless as Coutinho fired home in the 83rd minute, but other than a regulation save forced by Divock Origi, he had a relatively quiet afternoon. In the shoot-out he came into his own, making three superb saves to open the way for Toure to score the winning goal.
Willy Caballero saved THREE consecutive penalties after Emre Can's Panenka.
Cup-final hero. pic.twitter.com/LcZxDMqfjG
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 28, 2016
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
Mignolet was not as formidable as his City counterpart in the shootout, but during the 120 minutes the Belgian displayed all of his goalkeeping aspect. He was at fault for the opening goal, letting Fernandinho’s shot fall under his body instead of using his legs to prevent the ball going in, but made up for the error by keeping out the likes of Sergio Aguero, Fernando, and Toure.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Whenever Aguero is on or near the ball, you know trouble is brewing for the opposition. That was no different las night as the Argentine was a constant threat to the Liverpool back four, including Mamadou Sahko before he was replaced. Aguero was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet, hitting the post and coming close a number of times, but he converted his spot kick as well as assisting Fernandinho’s goal.
Worst Three Performers
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling left Liverpool for Manchester City in the English summer in search of silverware and he finally found it tonight, however, he would be disappointed with his contribution to the team. The young Englishman was wasteful in front of goal and missed a number of guilt edge chances. He also failed to create much for his teammates, as the Liverpool defenders played as if they had something against the 21-year-old.
Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)
The Spaniard looked strong going forward and even forced a save out of Caballero inside 60 seconds, but he struggled to be as proficient in his left-back position. The former Sevilla defender repeatedly got caught out of position, he picked up a yellow and was lucky to get away with what looked to be a foul inside the box on Aguero midway through the second-half, before Jurgen Klopp supplanted him with Lallana after 72 minutes. With Brad Smith coming through the ranks and Jon Flanagan back from injury, Moreno will have to perform better if he is to keep his spot.
James Milner (Liverpool)
Another player who put in an uninspiring performance against his former employers. James Milner looked a different player tonight, he was not strong on the ball he was caught offside twice, and lacked the leadership and experience Liverpool needed at crucial times of the match. Not to mention he almost gifted the title to Aguero on a silver platter deep into extra-time.
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