Virgil van Dijk headed Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2024 Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

The Reds captain scored deep into extra-time of the showpiece to secure the club its record-extending 10th title in the competition. Van Dijk’s header in the 118th minute from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner came after both sides struck the woodwork and had efforts disallowed for offside, along with plenty of other chances, in the earlier action.

It was a hugely impressive start from Liverpool, who applied long spells of pressure on the Chelsea backline. After being tested with early long-range efforts, both goalkeepers then pulled off crucial interventions.

Djordje Petrovic kept out a low drive from Luis Diaz inside the area after Cody Gakpo capitalised on a slip at the back from Axel Disasi. At the other end, Cole Palmer looked destined to score from close range after an attempted clearance of a Conor Gallagher cross fell kindly to him – but Caoimhin Kelleher flung himself brilliantly across goal to keep the powerful effort out.

Chelsea had the ball in the net in the 32nd minute but the flag was quickly raised for offside and the decision confirmed by VAR. Nicolas Jackson went in behind too early before squaring across goal for Raheem Sterling, who tapped in.

But just as Liverpool were up against it, they were a whisker away from taking a lead into the break. Robertson clipped a cross into the box and Gakpo’s header struck the post, with the rebound cleared.