Liverpool lifted the Carabao Cup for the 10th time after beating Chelsea 1-0 in extra time at Wembley Stadium.
Raheem Sterling had given the Blues the lead in the first half via a close-range finish but he was ruled to have been in an offside position.
Virgil thought he had given Jurgen Klopp's side the lead after heading the ball home on the hour mark but, like Sterling, his goal was ruled out for offside.
However, the Dutch defender rose high once again with just minutes remaining of extra-time to clinch the win for Liverpool..
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Djordje Petrovic – 8
Heartbreak for Petrovic, who justified his selection over Robert Sanchez with a series of super saves, including one to deny Harvey Elliott. Ultimately beaten by Virgil van Dijk at the very end.
Malo Gusto – 6
Some sloppiness in the early exchanges – nerves of a first cup final maybe – but grew into the game as he engaged in a sweaty showdown with Luis Diaz.
Axel Disasi – 6
The Chelsea fans singing about Steven Gerrard’s slip nearly got a taste of their own medicine when Disasi’s tumble almost led to a goal. Survived that, but lost Van Dijk for his goal.
Levi Colwill – 6
Had Colwill not been blocked by the offside Wataru Endo, would he have stopped Van Dijk from scoring that disallowed header? He certainly thought so and VAR corroborated his claim.
Ben Chilwell – 6
Spent the week wondering if he would face Mohamed Salah. Instead a scrap with Conor Bradley ensued. Wearing the captain’s armband,
Moises Caicedo – 5
Clumsy challenge on Ryan Gravenberch infuriated Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp wanted a straight red. They didn’t even get a free-kick. Caicedo was not shy in chucking his weight around.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Occasional lapse of judgement, like when he tried to backheel the ball into the goal while two team-mates were waiting to be teed up. Not the midfielder’s most commanding display.
Cole Palmer – 6
The goal was gaping when Coaimhin Kelleher stopped Palmer from scoring. Terrific save, but also a tame finish. Twice set up Gallagher for glorious chances, but twice without reward.
Conor Gallagher – 6
Chased the ball like it was the last one left on the planet, but ultimately left wondering how he did not stick it in Liverpool’s goal. First denied by the post. Then by Kelleher.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Thought he scored in the 32nd minute – seemed set to celebrate in front of Liverpool’s fans – but offside flag spoiled his fun. Otherwise largely ineffective down Chelsea’s left-hand side.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Frustrated his kneecap was offside in the build-up to Sterling’s tap-in because it was a nice squared ball. Largely on his lonesome up top, starved of service.
MANAGER
Mauricio Pochettino – 5.5
Chelsea created chances but ultimately, Pochettino’s £1billion troupe of talent lost out to a Liverpool team full of kids by the end of this exhausting battle. Gutting for the Blues boss.
SUBSTITUTES
Christopher Nkunku (67mins for Sterling) – 6
Replaced Raheem Sterling and his energy helped Chelsea in a late flourish towards the end of normal time.
Mykhailo Mudryk (90mins for Jackson) – 5.5
Tried to stretch Liverpool's back line using his pace but never quite influential enough against opponents who were tiring.
Noni Madueke (97mins for Gallagher) – 5.5
Replaced Gallagher, who was spent after his nonstop sprinting. The odd nice moment from Madueke, but this wasn't Chelsea's day.
Trevoh Chalobah (113mins for Chilwell) – 5.5
Thrown on late – too late to make any difference. Liverpool scored and secured the trophy as Chelsea finally succumbed to Van Dijk.
SUBSTITUTES NOT USED
Robert Sanchez
Marcus Bettinelli
Alfie Gilchrist
Jimi Tauriainen
Billy Gee