Chelsea

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's EFL Cup match between Liverpool and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Oliver: A pretty even game but Liverpool had plenty of chances to take an advantage. Last 20 minutes were a complete mess after the subs came on. Penalties could've gone either way. My heart can't take it. I have confidence that this could be our year for this competition.

Sam: We got two wins today! The second being that Joe Gomez scored!

Alun: Nothing really learnt. We just progressed. Chelsea were a same level opponent and the teams just played each other out. Then pens are just a lottery.

Ken: A decent cup tie under the lights. So impressed with young Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, who are looking more and more accomplished with each passing game. Should've won inside 90 minutes but we would have then been deprived of a thrilling penalty shootout and Joe Gomez scoring the decisive goal at the Kop End! What a time to be alive!

Chelsea fans

Roger: Very poor, again. Much the stronger starting XI but no quality for 90 minutes. Welbeck deserves respect but, as we've seen already this season, is no longer a 90-minute man. It says all anyone needs to know about the club's leadership that we still think our squad is complete with just one bona fide striker. Another season of mediocrity.

Chris: Once again, I'm left wondering how we ever paid Leicester £75m for Wesley Fofana. Another disastrous performance from the French international? No wonder he can't get a game in the Premier League after that performance!

James: Disappointed as this was a good chance to win a trophy. The wider issue is of course having a large squad to keep happy with only league games until the new year. On a positive note I feel this Chelsea team could end up having a decent season.

Patrick: Alonso won't play Estevao, why? He's going to be under pressure real soon if he doesn't improve.

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The last time Chelsea beat Liverpool, Estevao was the talk of the Premier League.

The Brazilian was still in his first couple of months at Stamford Bridge when his name hit the headlines after he scored the winner against the Premier League champions with practically the final kick of the match last October.

Fast forward 12 months, and Estevao is beginning to attract attention for all the wrong reasons as he struggles to force his way into Xabi Alonso's side.

The 19-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer, was conspicuous by his absence on Wednesday night as Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

Sadly for Estevao, Wednesday night's situation at Anfield was nothing new for him.

The Brazilian's total minutes for the campaign so far stand at an underwhelming 172, with 125 of those coming in the victories over Luton Town and Leeds United in the earlier rounds of the EFL Cup.

One of the main reasons behind Estevao's exile has been the form of Pedro Neto.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, but he ultimately remained at Stamford Bridge.

That decision appears to have been influenced by Alonso, who has underlined his faith in Neto by handing him seven starts in eight Premier League matches this season.

His success out on the right - which also happens to be Estevao's favoured position - has meant opportunities have been few and far between for the Brazilian.

He has primarily been deployed as a right-sided wing-back in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system, with his Premier League experience and greater defensive solidity compared to Estevao seemingly winning over the Spaniard.

After an impressive start to the campaign, in which he has scored four goals in 11 matches, Neto was rewarded with a new six-year deal.

Estevao will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Neto and revive his Stamford Bridge career.

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are among the clubs eyeing Como midfielder Nico Paz, although the Serie A side have no intention of selling the 22-year-old Argentina international. (Teamtalk), external

France forward Desire Doue, 21, is in contract talks with Paris St-Germain as the Ligue 1 side look to secure his long-term future in the face of interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea remain keen admirers of Everton's 24-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but face competition from United. (Football Insider), external

The Blues are weighing up a move for Spain and Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, with Paris St-Germain also interested in the 23-year-old. (CaughtOffside), external

Liverpool are in contact with Monaco and Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara, 22, who nearly joined Chelsea over the summer. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Aadam Patel
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

With Chelsea not in Europe and downbeat after their weekend loss to Tottenham, the Carabao Cup represented a genuine opportunity for Xabi Alonso to win a major trophy and that was reflected by his team selection.

His side didn't make the best of starts at Anfield but once they took the lead, he will be disappointed their advantage lasted only three minutes.

They still battled well and offered a threat, but the defeat will hurt, particularly because they blew a glorious opportunity to win the tie when Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha had his effort saved.

Alonso said his side showed improvement from the Spurs game and played with courage, and he was right, but ultimately this was another defeat.

Much has been documented about the friendship between Spaniards Alonso and Andoni Iraola and, while it is only three months into the new season, it's clear Iraola has had the better start. He will enter November, having tasted defeat just once in all competitions.

The mood around Anfield at full-time was jubilant and Liverpool fans have now seen their team win their last five in a row, with the last three at home.

It is Arsenal next on Sunday in the Premier League and a test of where the Reds are. A win against the defending champions would put Liverpool three points behind them in the table.

Both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot also reached the final of this competition in their first season in charge and, in the back of his mind, Iraola will have his sights set on emulating them.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about Estevao's struggle to force his way into Xabi Alonso's side: "I think it's one Alonso has to answer very soon because you can talk about injuries and suspensions to forward players, but in a game like today he is a difference maker.

"He's the last person you want to see come on that pitch if you are a Liverpool defender. Him getting on the ball, running at you, making things happen.

"There's something at the moment that is stopping him from getting the game time that we are all sitting here thinking he should be getting."

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso speaking to Sky Sports following the penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup: "Every time you reach the penalties, someone will feel it is harsh to go out of the competition. It was really close from both sides. Penalties mean it is open to anything.

"They have performed at a good enough level to compete at Anfield. We conceded the penalty and it was even. The game was really close for both sides.

"It has been a solid performance from Mike [Penders]. We didn't concede many chances but he was quite stable and solid with his performances. That was really important in the first half for us.

"This is football. It is part of our job. We were showing a good level and this is what it takes to come to these stadiums. The Premier League is the main focus.

"We don't have much time to recover because the game is Saturday early kick-off so we need to change the mindset quite quickly."

Morgan Rogers also spoke to ITV: "It is probably the worst way to lose a game.

"It was an even game and at times we had the better of it. I had half chances that I'd have liked to have put away.

"It was one of them that can go either way and you have to accept it."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Liverpool's performance

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

There are five Carabao Cup fourth round games on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Brighton (19:30)

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Sunderland v Brentford

• Liverpool v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 19:45 GMT unless stated.

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Chris Bertram
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

A League Cup tie between two of the countries biggest clubs is not usually an important barometer of a season - but Liverpool v Chelsea might be just that.

It was very early days, but when Chelsea won their opening two Premier League games in thrilling fashion and Liverpool laboured to two draws, it looked as if the Anfield club might lament their hesitancy over Xabi Alonso.

Since then, though, Andoni Iraola's side have clawed their way above Chelsea in the table - albeit by just one point - and it is Alonso who has more questions to answer.

Chelsea have no European football this season, so to go out of the Carabao Cup this week would leave them with only league games and the FA Cup to play - and a big group of players to keep happy.

It would also reinforce the feeling - on the back of poor results against Hull City, Brentford and Tottenham - that Alonso is a long way from getting to grips with an expensive but imbalanced squad.

The collapse of the deal for Lamine Camara looks every bit as costly as it felt on transfer deadline day, with Moises Caicedo shouldering too much work in midfield, which has left exposed a defence that has yet to convince irrespective of formation and personnel.

In the vast majority of seasons, this game would be a run-out for fringe players as the superstars were rested before a league game followed by Champions League action.

In 2026-27 however, Alonso will field a strong side in search of a statement win at his former club. He will hope it can change the narrative after the miserable defeat to Spurs.

Liverpool are in better spirits after four successive wins since the defeat against Manchester City.

Iraola has extracted more from costly forward recruits than Arne Slot managed and the progress Rio Ngumoha has made under him has been impressive. The team is playing with more energy and purpose than last season, even if a porous central midfield remains a concern.

That improved intensity in addition to fourth place in the league and a 100% Champions League record means Iraola has made a good early impression.

He will however be aware that a defeat to the man - and a popular former player at that - who was widely touted for his job would be a less-than-ideal look.

Yet with a smaller squad and more fixtures for Liverpool, he is likely to field more youngsters - and that could give Chelsea the opportunity to seize the statement win their stuttering season could do with.

Chelsea are fully focused on signing Alex Scott from Bournemouth after his move fell through in the summer, with the 23-year-old England midfielder also on Liverpool's shortlist. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all scouted Club Brugge's Germany youth international Nicolo Tresoldi. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter at Cobham Training Centre

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he will celebrate if the Blues score against his former club Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard, 44, is returning to Anfield for the first time since becoming Blues manager over the summer.

Asked how he will react if Chelsea score, Alonso said: "Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. With full respect because for sure, my warmth with Liverpool was there as a player.

"But now, I am in a different role, I need to support my team, I need to support my club, I fight for my club and if we score, I will celebrate with whole respect.

"That is the respect for my club and the respect for the opponent as well."

It is the third time Alonso has returned as a visiting manager, having done so in his previous roles at Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen across the last two seasons.

Alonso previously told BBC Sport that his move to Chelsea instead of Liverpool over the summer was "about timings".

Former Reds boss Arne Slot was still in the role before the decision was made for the Dutch head coach to be sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola.

However, Alonso was believed to be on Liverpool's radar before Slot's appointment, after his sensational league and cup double in his first top-level managerial season at Bayer Leverkusen.

Asked about that time, he explained: "Well at that time I was at Leverkusen and I was aware of the situation but I decided to stay. That was my decision at the time."

Alonso also explained that striker Joao Pedro is probably out until after the international break in November.

Listen to live commentary of Liverpool v Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup round of 16 game against Liverpool at Anfield (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso confirmed Joao Pedro will miss Wednesday's game and faces "a few weeks" on the sidelines after missing Saturday's home defeat by Tottenham with a problem picked up in training: "He has an injury on his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many, we don't want to predict on that."

• How will the Blues cope without their top scorer?: "We will miss him but we have to be ready to deal with that and win games and be competitive with the players we have available. This is the situation. We have to be looking for solutions not for excuses. This is why you build a squad. For sure, some players are important but this can happen."

• Alonso confirmed that summer arrival Emmanuel Emegha will be in the squad for the first time: "For sure it's important that we have him available because he has special qualities. He has been training for the last 10 days in a good way that gives him a strong base to build his fitness. Maybe tomorrow he has his chance to play."

• Reflecting on the disappointing defeat by rivals Spurs, Alonso said: "We were not happy for sure with the result and performance. It was a big game and it could have been better. Now we have moved on and the focus is just on Liverpool."

• On Cole Palmer, who was sent off for the first time in his career: "We spoke and for sure he knows the mistake he made. There are things you can avoid. I hope this is not going to be repeated. He is aware of that. He's in a good space. He is mature and he made a mistake."

• Asked why Estevao and Danny Welbeck did not start and were not introduced until deep into the second half on Saturday, Alonso said: "I assessed all the possibilities we have, what we have prepared during the week, and the qualities the players have for each game. That was the case on Saturday and that will be the case tomorrow."

• On 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, who scored an own goal against Spurs on his first Premier League start: "It's a challenge to deal with good performances and with mistakes. That is part of the job. What happened on Saturday, it is the past and a lesson for him and everyone. We fully support him for tomorrow."

Listen to live commentary of Liverpool v Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Follow all of Tuesday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is heading into a difficult week of matches, and defeat at home to Tottenham has raised the stakes ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool.

The defeat was notable for a mistake by 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, which swung the game in Spurs' favour.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was sent off and is suspended for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie.

There was also the surprise absence of star striker Joao Pedro, with his fitness likely to be another topic at today's news conference (13:30 BST).

After the trip to Anfield, struggling Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge for Saturday's early kick-off.

It is a challenging week for Alonso, who may face tougher questions today after Chelsea's two-game winning run since the international break had appeared to put them back on track.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has sanctioned another club record contract offer for England midfielder Alex Scott, 23, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all monitoring developments. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Alan: I'm sorry, but that was just about the worst match this season. The defence is a total mess with no leader. Colwill just seems to run round in circles. We really need to offload Palmer - he is a liability and doesn't deserve his place in the team. Rogers was outstanding again, but had no support. All in all, they just need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they are up to the job. There's still a lot of work to be done.

Chris: Pathetic performance from Chelsea and a petulant performance from that child, Cole Palmer. Hopefully now he will play Estevao in his place while he serves his suspension. Time to get tough with the children Xabi!

Terry: Absolute disgrace from start to finish. Wrong team selection, complete lack of discipline and hopeless in front of goal. No pride in wearing the badge. I have been a supporter since the mid 1950s and this is one of the worst performances I have ever seen.

Colin: How does the team have a great performance one week then a disaster the next like two different sides? There was no passion, they gave away too much and it was hard to watch. Penders did well until that mistake but that's what he will be remembered for. Palmer let the side down. Overall the whole team should be embarrassed. They must do better as a team if they want to be considered a title contender at some point. We pay good money to see a very poor performance like that.

Tottenham fans

Peter: I was at the game and it was quickly apparent that Chelsea were unable to stop the fast slick passing of the the Spurs players. All the team were playing great football and deserved the win. Onwards and upwards.

Rachael: I am really pleased with Tottenham's performance. They controlled the game throughout and took the game to Chelsea, who were second best for once. Every Spurs player played well.

Guru: About as good a performance and result that you could hope to get at Stamford Bridge. Practically everything seemed to click into place but it still feels like there is more that the team can give - which is a great feeling to have. No going to go wild and say that we're back but the road towards that place has begun.

Simon: What an absolute team performance. The defence was solid, midfield bossing the game, however, that ruthlessness when chances are created is still missing. However, I am confident it will come with time as the team are slowly gaining confidence and are beginning to gel. It's still early in that transition though.

Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown looks at the red card shown to Cole Palmer during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, with the former Arsenal defender agreeing with the decision and suggesting Palmer was lucky not to receive a straight red for an early incident.