How many misses before Liverpool dump Carroll?

Liverpool's Andy Carroll misses a penalty during their League Cup match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in London, on Tuesday. (AFP)

Published Wednesday, November 30, 2011

By Staff

The woes of £35 million Liverpool flop Andy Carroll continued as he missed a penalty in the League Cup quarter-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Fortunately for the Reds, Carroll's first-half blunder did not turn out to be costly as Liverpool rode on an inspirational performance by Welshman Craig Bellamy to beat Chelsea 2-0 for the second time in nine days.

Bellamy returned to the Liverpool line-up after withdrawing from the weekend draw with Manchester City following the death of his close friend Gary Speed, the Wales manager.

Rodriguez's 58th minute goal put Liverpool ahead before Kelly made it two in the 63rd minute, deflecting attention from Carroll's first half penalty miss.

However, Carroll did cause problems to the Chelsea defence with his robust physical presence in the opening 20 minutes which Liverpool dominated.

Carroll's strength and height finally proved to much for Chelsea centre back Alex who used his arm to divert Jose Enrique's cross away from the striker's forehead.

The referee was reluctant to award a penalty before pointing at the spot after consulting with his assistant.

Carroll, though, was unable to make the most of the chance to show Dalglish he is worthy of a more regular start, firing the penalty straight down the middle of the goal and against Ross Turnbull's legs.

The discarded England striker who has scored just three goals this season since his move from Newcastle in January seems to be jinxed when he is in front of the goal.

He came agonisingly close to scoring Liverpool's winner against Manchester City having come on as a late subtitute in a pulsating Premier League clash on Sunday at Anfield.

But his goal-bound header during stoppage was parried away with a spectacular one-handed effort by England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

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