This archive report was first published on 23 December 2021.
On December 23, 2021, Liverpool staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Leicester 3-3 in a League Cup quarter-final match at Anfield, with the Reds eventually emerging victorious in a penalty shootout.
Leicester, who had seen their previous two fixtures called off due to a coronavirus outbreak and injury list, started strongly with Jamie Vardy scoring twice in the first 13 minutes. The Foxes' lead was restored at halftime, thanks to James Maddison's powerful strike from 30 yards.
However, Liverpool introduced three first-team regulars at halftime, and Diogo Jota gave the Reds new life 22 minutes from time. Kasper Schmeichel then made a stunning save to deny Jota a second goal, but Takumi Minamino sent the game to penalties in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Minamino missed his chance to win the tie from the spot, but Caoimhin Kelleher saved from Luke Thomas and Ryan Bertrand before Jota fired home the winning penalty.
Meanwhile, Tottenham and Chelsea also made the semi-finals of the League Cup. Spurs were 2-1 winners over West Ham, with Steven Bergwijn scoring his first goal of the season after two clever one-twos with Pierre Emile Hojbjerg. Chelsea, who were short of seven players due to a Covid outbreak, handed debuts to academy prospects Harvey Vale, Jude Soonsup-Bell, and Xavier Simons, but eventually emerged victorious against Brentford 2-0.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel emptied his bench in the second half, introducing N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Reece James, and Jorginho. The extra quality made the difference as Pontus Jansson turned James' cross into his own net 10 minutes from time, and Jorginho stroked home a penalty after Pulisic had been upended in the box.
