Carra hails ‘massive moment’ for Klopp; says luck was needed

Joe Allen: Scored winning penalty to send Liverpool to Wembley

Joe Allen: Scored winning penalty to send Liverpool to Wembley

Jamie Carragher feels Liverpool’s dramatic progression to the Capital One Cup final marked a “massive” moment in Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as manager – but admits it was another poor display from the Reds.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg, the Reds struggled to break down an impressive Stoke side, who forced extra-time thanks to Marko Arnautovic’s first-half strike.

With nothing to separate the two sides in 120 minutes, the game was decided on penalties, with Joe Allen netting the decisive spot-kick in Liverpool’s 6-5 shootout victory.

And, speaking after the game, Sky Sports pundit Carragher claimed the most important outcome was the result – but admits Klopp will be wary of celebrating too much after another poor showing from Liverpool.

Jonathan Walters: Failed to hit the target with early effort

“This is a massive result for Liverpool and the manager,” the former Anfield stalwart said. “It is all about getting through in big games and semi-finals.

“Forget how you play, the main thing in big games is getting through and Liverpool have done that tonight.

“I wouldn’t say this saves Liverpool’s season, as they are still in two other cup competitions, but they are already in the final of the League Cup so they’ve got more chance of winning this.

“Klopp won’t be fooled by the euphoria at the end of the Norwich game or tonight, they were poor tonight and got out of jail at Carrow Road.

“This season is more like a learning curve for the manager, so if he can get a trophy in that time it’s massive. No one can ever say ‘he hasn’t won a trophy’, if they win at Wembley.”