Chelsea's Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool was already heading towards a dramatic conclusion, but Emmanuel Emegha managed to create one of the night's strangest talking points during his debut for the Blues.

The Chelsea forward came off the bench at Anfield on Wednesday night, with Xabi Alonso hoping his introduction could help his side find a winner.

Instead, the 23-year-old found himself at the centre of an unusual confrontation with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

The incident left the Dutch defender on the floor and prompted an immediate reaction from Sky Sports commentator Mark Smith, who questioned the Chelsea substitute's actions.

Mark Smith questions Emmanuel Emegha's bizarre Virgil van Dijk moment

The weird moment happened shortly after Emegha came onto the pitch in the second half, with Van Dijk playing a pass to a teammate.

After the Reds captain had released the ball, Emegha continued his run towards the defender and pushed him to the ground, despite the ball long moving on.

Smith was clearly puzzled by what he had witnessed, saying on Sky Sports' commentary: "Emmanuel Emegha just took out Van Dijk. He's just carrying on [running at him]. Very strange from the substitute. Van Dijk had something to say about that afterwards."

The Liverpool captain was visibly angered by the contact and exchanged words with the officials after getting back to his feet. However, referee Darren England did not show Emegha a yellow card for the incident; even stranger if we're being honest.

Van Dijk was later asked about the confrontation after the match, but offered little explanation for his compatriot's actions.

"Ask him. I don't know. Maybe he's trying to get into the national team as well and trying this way. I don't know. You have to ask him," the Liverpool defender said in his post-match interview.

Emegha's Chelsea debut one to forget

The incident was not the only tough moment in what turned out to be a challenging first appearance for Emegha.

Chelsea and Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo both converting from the penalty spot. The tie was ultimately decided by a shootout, with Liverpool progressing after winning 6-5.

Emegha had the opportunity to win the contest for Chelsea after Mike Penders saved Ryan Gravenberch's effort. However, Giorgi Mamardashvili saved the striker's penalty, leaving Wesley Fofana to take the decisive spot-kick, which he sent over sailing the crossbar.

It was a night to forget for the summer signing from Strasbourg, who had waited quite a while for the opportunity to make his first apperanance in Chelsea colours..

Alonso will hope the forward can put the difficult evening behind him and make a positive contribution in the weeks ahead.

With Chelsea's focus now returning to the Premier League and Manchester United, Emegha may be forced to wait again for his next chance.