Iraola’s Anfield Dilemma: Bournemouth Again in the Cup

• Joe Gomez buried the decisive penalty as Liverpool beat Chelsea 6-5
• Quarter-final draw hands Andoni Iraola a reunion with Bournemouth at Anfield
• Season of reunions: Inigo Perez and Xabi Alonso faced already; now the Cherries

Liverpool Edge Chelsea as Gomez Delivers from the Spot

It was nervy, it was tight, and it was won by a man who never scores. Joe Gomez stepped up and slotted the clincher as Liverpool edged Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the defender converting despite having gone 280 appearances without a goal. Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo traded first-half penalties; the rest was grit, concentration and bottle from the Reds.

Andoni Iraola will have enjoyed the character on show but, in truth, the boss barely had time to exhale before the draw landed his worst-case scenario. For those weighing up the form lines and odds, our guide to football betting sites UK is a handy companion because this cup run has offered nothing easy so far.

Worst Draw Possible: Bournemouth Return for Iraola

“Anyone but Bournemouth,” was the gist from Iraola before the draw — and fate promptly pulled out the Cherries. It’s special for him, no doubt, but also awkward: they know him inside out and they’re in a real groove. The only silver lining? Another tie at Anfield, where Liverpool’s rhythm and the crowd’s roar can tilt a tight cup night.

Let’s be honest: Liverpool haven’t caught a break with these draws. Spurs early, Chelsea just now, and Bournemouth next — all without much respite. Still, Iraola’s been here before this season: he’s already ticked off a couple of reunions, outmanoeuvring old friend Inigo Perez in the Champions League and beating long-time mate Xabi Alonso. In this Carabao Cup specifically, the reunion is with Bournemouth rather than an ex-teammate — but the emotional edge is every bit as sharp.

The message from Iraola is clear: earn it. Liverpool must fight for the right to reach the last four, and doing it at home again feels crucial. Cup football’s simple arithmetic still applies — survive, advance, move on — and the Reds did exactly that against Chelsea.

As for Alonso, it’s another tough outing at Anfield — his third straight defeat there as a manager. He admitted penalties were always going to leave one side gutted, and with bigger priorities ahead, he’s already pivoting to the Premier League this weekend against Manchester United.

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