Raheem Sterling sends message to Chelsea teammates ahead of EFL Cup final vs Liverpool

Raheem Sterling asks Chelsea players to remain consistent for Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool

Coming to Etihad Stadium has always been tricky for many teams, given they return with nothing, but Chelsea ensured they would at least secure a point after an intense game with Manchester City.

Former City forward Raheem Sterling was on target, giving the visitors the lead before halftime, with a brilliant finish after a counter-attack started by Nicolas Jackson, who squared to Sterling, who cut inside Kyle Walker before curling the shot home.

The Blues remained in front for a longer period, and City’s dominance on the ball appeared sooner or later when they found the back of the net. City had plenty of chances, but their inefficiency was evident.

It looked like City would suffer their first-ever defeat since November 2022, until Rodri struck with seven minutes to go. But this draw will act as a confidence booster for players and Sterling has called for the players to be mentally prepared for the Carabao Cup final, as he told the BBC:

“We just need to keep being consistent and keep going. [The Carabao Cup final] is another big test and another big opportunity. We need to go into it with the mentality to win the trophy.”

Chelsea could have finished the game earlier.

We had so many opportunities. Jackson had a fantastic opportunity to start the scoring. Apart from that, he was superb off the ball, and it was stupendous to watch his link-up play. Although we didn’t think we would be this good at Etihad, had we taken use of our opportunities we could have won the match.

They started pressing more, pushed us back, and got total control of the ball during the closing stages of the match. And eventually, we succumbed under pressure and conceded a late goal.

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But a draw is reasonable against a side that hasn’t lost in a while. Our performance was a further indication of how this team is picking up consistency and is ready to deliver against any side, despite their form this season.