Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool’s Carabao Cup hero last season, saved three spot-kicks to ensure the Reds advanced to the last 16 against League One Derby at Anfield.
Liverpool were forced to rely on the man whose penalty gave them the trophy at Wembley in February after failing to find a breakthrough against Derby in 90 minutes.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Manchester City Progresses In Carabao Cup After Knocking Out Chelsea
Kelleher saved penalties from Conor Hourihane, Craig Forsyth, and, crucially, Lewis Dobbin, allowing Harvey Elliott to slot home the game-winning goal.
It was a well-deserved victory, as the hosts carried the majority of the attacking threat.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Newcastle United Win Over Crystal Palace Through Penalty Shootout In Carabao Cup
Derby, backed by a boisterous 5,600-strong travelling crowd, fought hard throughout, with skipper Max Bird slicing the visitors’ best chance across the face of Kelleher’s goal at the start of the second half.
Because of the manner of the victory, Liverpool has yet to win a regular-season home game in the competition since 2016. It won’t bother them all that much.
