Joe Gomez has some kind words for Chelsea after his Liverpool side eliminated them from the Carabao Cup fourth round.

At two different points during the game, it looked like it was going to be Chelsea’s night. Despite not playing well, the Blues took the lead in the 40th minute after Morgan Rogers converted a penalty.

Joe Gomez describes Chelsea as ‘great opposition’

While Chelsea were eliminated and did not put in their best performance at Anfield, Gomez had some praise for Liverpool’s Premier League rivals. In his eyes, they are still a top side.

In a post-match interview, which has been relayed by Liverpool’s official club website, the defender said: “We know it goes to pens straight after the game. So when it got later in the game, we knew it could. The boys fought hard. Obviously great opposition, we’ve had tough draws, but we want to go and win it again and we know we can.”

Mike Penders’ performance is at least one positive Xabi Alonso will be able to take from the game. Pressure was on the young goalkeeper after his costly mistake against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

However, he bounced back at Anfield after making some good saves in normal time and denying Ryan Gravenberch during the shootout. In contrast, Fofana had a night to forget.

Not only did the Frenchman miss his spot-kick, but he also gave away the penalty Gakpo dispatched in the first half. Clinton Morrison could not believe Fofana’s handball, questioning why his hand was even in the air.

Nothing ‘great’ about Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea

Chelsea’s expensive squad and individual talent do not automatically translate into greatness. Their Carabao Cup performance raises more questions about whether Alonso has built a team capable of consistently imposing itself on strong opponents, with his side also losing against Spurs last weekend.

Great teams establish reliable standards rather than fluctuating between impressive performances and disappointing displays. Chelsea must demonstrate greater consistency in their chance creation, defensive organisation and game management before their quality can be considered a genuine threat to the best sides, whether that be in cup games or Premier League fixtures.

Gomez’s respect for Chelsea as opponents should not be confused with evidence that they are a great side. Right now, Chelsea lack consistency, cohesion and authority under pressure. Until Chelsea demonstrate those qualities regularly, their individual talent and potential remain insufficient grounds for calling them an elite side.