Liverpool have scraped through to the fourth round of the League Cup after a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over League Two Carlisle United at Anfield.

Danny Ings gave Liverpool a first-half lead, but they were soon pegged back by Derek Asamoah's strike a few minutes later.

Liverpool peppered the Carlisle goal as the game wore on, but were taken to penalties by the resolute visitors.

Despite their best efforts, Carlisle couldn't find their way past Adam Bogdan from 12 yards, with the goalkeeper saving three penalties to send his team through to the next round.

Here, Sports Mole delves deeper into the game at Anfield.

Match statistics

LIVERPOOL
Shots: 47
On target: 16
Possession: 60%
Corners: 19
Fouls: 8

CARLISLE UNITED
Shots: 5
On target: 2
Possession: 40%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 2

Was the result fair?

It seems mad to say this after Liverpool had 47 shots on goal, but Carlisle did not deserve to go out. They defended bravely and played some nice football at times. Asamoah's goal was well worked and they restricted the home side to half-chances on the whole. To go out on penalties after putting such a shift in is galling and they deserved to progress.

Liverpool's performance

Having 47 shots is all well and good, but Mark Gillespie wasn't pulling off save after save. There wasn't enough tempo in the game and after taking the lead, Liverpool really needed to assert their authority and go on to get another. The defending for Asamoah's goal was atrocious, with a gaping hole opening up in front of the defence and none of the three centre-backs picking up the goalscorer. The fact that many home fans left at 90 minutes tells its own story.

Carlisle United's performance

The Carlisle players are likely to be have been deflated after the final whistle, but they shouldn't have been. They went toe to toe with the eight-time League Cup winners and defended magnificently throughout. There were also plenty of occasions when they played some neat football and they were not afraid to pass the ball out from the back.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Mark Gillespie: In truth, this award could have gone to any player, but Gillespie just about shades this debate. The goalkeeper made 16 saves on the night and although he was rarely at full stretch, he did everything with minimal fuss.

Biggest gaffe

No Liverpool players made any glaring mistakes, but they all have to take their share of the responsibility. They can each take a portion of this award between them.

Referee performance

The best games are the ones where the referee is anonymous, as was the case at Anfield. Andy Madley made all the right calls and refused to give Liverpool a penalty when Divock Origi went down, which was the right decision.

What next?

Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers will desperately be hoping for a win in 90 minutes against Aston Villa at home on Saturday.

Carlisle United: Carlisle will hope that the Anfield exertions haven't taken too much out of them as they welcome Newport County to Brunton Park at the weekend.