Virgil van Dijk scores dramatic Carabao Cup final extra time winner against Chelsea

Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic winner in extra time as Liverpool beat Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup.

The Dutchman had a header controversially chalked off in normal time for a subjective offside call involving Wataru Endo but then, with the 42nd attempt of the game, powered in another bullet when penalties looked on the horizon.

With a whole host of young, inexperienced players on the pitch amidst an injury crisis, Liverpool fed off the energy from their noisy supporters at Wembley in a remarkable final.

And Van Dijk ensured that Jurgen Klopp will end his last season at Liverpool with silverware by popping up in the dying embers.

Absolute SCENES at Wembley! 🔥

Virgil van Dijk heads home in the dying moments of extra-time! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/t4KFoeljyR

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 25, 2024

Liverpool went into the game with the likes of Alisson Becker, Mo Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold all on the treatment table.

The situation worsened in the first half as Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off following a horrific challenge from Moises Caicedo.

Klopp had to call upon his young guns but they delivered and then some in an incredible game which had 20 shots on target.

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who scored the winning kick in the penalty shoot-out in the 2022 final against Chelsea, did his bit with a number of superb saves in between the sticks.

But Van Dijk was the hero and then lifted his first trophy as captain after replacing Jordan Henderson as skipper in the summer.

In an emotional interview with Sky Sports after the win, Van Dijk said: "The young boys on the team in extra time, I'm so proud of them. An intense game for both sides, they had chances and we had chances.

"Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain and it's all for the fans so let's enjoy."

Liverpool are back in action on Wednesday when they host Southampton in the FA Cup at Anfield.