Manchester City may be struggling in their quest to defend this year’s English Premier League title but will be happy after bagging the Capital One Cup trophy edging out Liverpool 3-1 on penalties on Sunday.
Fernandinho had put City ahead after the break before Coutinho equalized for Liverpool in the 83rd minute.
Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero was the hero of the day when he made three saves stopping shots from Lucas, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in the shoot-out after.
The 34 year-old repaid the faith put on him after being selected ahead of first choice goalkeeper Joe Hart.
It was a nerving shoot-out for City after, Fernandinho hit the post with City’s first kick. Then Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero scored before allowing Yaya Toure to convert the winner.
While Caballero starred for City, Liverpool custodian Mignolet was once again inconsistent. A lot of criticism will come his way for letting in Fernandinho’s shot slip under his body for Liverpool’s opener.
The Belgian however redeemed himself later with stunning saves by denying Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure.
For City coach Manuel Pellegrini, he will be glad to have banked a trophy before he leaves the club in May.
The win meant that City have now won four of their five League Cup finals while the Reds lost a League Cup final for the fourth time.
Here’s how the all-time League Cup ‘Roll of Honour’ now stands after yesterday’s #CapitalOneCupFinal win for @MCFC pic.twitter.com/Z4BPJgeorV
— Capital One Cup (@CapitalOne_Cup) February 29, 2016