Fall of the Roman empire leaves Chelsea with an uncertain feeling | Barney Ronay

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool marked the start of an unclear future in their post-Abramovich era

As Kepa Arrizabalaga’s losing penalty kick soared high into the dark Wembley skies, still rising, some said, as it cleared Wembley Park tube station, the mass of Liverpool fans behind the goal produced a vast barrelling cheer, bodies tumbling, flares turning the night red.

For the Chelsea end, relieved from glorious distraction of an apparently never-ending penalty shootout, the immediate future seems less clear.