Willy Caballero was Manchester City’s hero as they defeated Liverpool on penalties to win the League Cup at Wembley.
The 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper spectacularly rewarded the faith of manager Manuel Pellegrini with saves from Lucas, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in the shoot-out after he was selected ahead of first-choice Joe Hart.
Caballero saved three penalties in the shoot-out and paving the way for Yaya Toure to deliver another trophy for Manuel Pellegrini. Fernandinho had fired City into a lead after 49 minutes courtesy of some slack goalkeeping from Simon Mignolet before Philippe Coutinho salvaged Liverpool’s hopes with a late strike to force extra-time.
Pellegrini made a huge call in selecting the veteran Caballero ahead of Hart, particularly in the light of his dreadful display in the 5-1 FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a week earlier.
City’s manager has always trusted the keeper he coached at Malaga before bringing him to Manchester and it was repaid with interest as Caballero made a magnificent stop from Divock Origi’s header before defying Liverpool in the shootout.
It ensured at least one trophy for the Chilean coach in his final season before Pep Guardiola takes over, with success in the Premier League and Champions League still a possibility.
