There were a number of big performances in the Capital One Cup
This week’s Capital One Cup fixtures came up with a few surprises. Championship side Bournemouth beat Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United beat holders Manchester City and Shrewsbury Town ran Chelsea very close.
Here are eleven players who did their reputations no harm with their performances in the League Cup.
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GK) Gerhard Tremmel, Swansea City
The German kept the Welsh club in the game for much of the 90 minutes by making several smart saves, notably a couple from Glen Johnson and Fabio Borini’s fierce shots.
RB) Daryl Janmaat, Newcastle United
Alan Pardew’s summer signing played well in his team’s upset of Manchester City, and was a threat to the defending champions all night.
CB) Dejan Lovren, Liverpool
The Croatian had a very promising display against Swansea, rarely looking troubled. Liverpool fans will be hoping that Lovren’s late winner will give him the confidence to live up to his £20 million transfer fee.
CB) Jermaine Grandison, Shrewsbury Town
The Shrewsbury man was brilliant against Premier League leaders Chelsea. So much so that his side looked almost comfortable for most of the game. Grandison did not deserve to be the own goal culprit that cost his team.
LB) Ryan Taylor, Newcastle United
The biggest success story of the week, Ryan Taylor’s comeback from 26 months out injured with two cruciate ligament problems. Not only did he play the full 90, he also made a brilliant block towards the end of the game.
MF) Erik Lamela, Tottenham Hotspur
The Argentine continued his promising start to the season with another goal, this time against Championship Brighton.
MF) Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian was in great form, attempting to drag his team through to the next round. Deserved to score, but had to make do with an assist for Dejan Lovren.
MF) Junior Stanislas, Bournemouth
The 24-year-old was a threat to West Brom all night, and was a big factor in why the Premier League lost to Championship team Bournemouth. His assist for Eunan O’Kane was key for the Cherries.
ST) Graziano Pelle, Southampton
The Italian’s two goals have now left him with nine scored in just twelve appearances for the Saints. He was a bargain at £8 million in the summer.
ST) Didier Drogba, Chelsea
The old war horse was forced to start with injuries to Loic Remy and Diego Costa putting a strain on Chelsea’s squad. He reacted well, scoring one and looking dangerous for the 90 minutes.
ST) Mario Balotelli, Liverpool
The Italian was the catalyst for a late Liverpool comeback, and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping the struggling striker can kick on from here.