Liverpool’s third trip to Wembley was not one to remember as the Reds’ lost to Chelsea who dominated the first hour of play and got the decisive goals and even a late Liverpool flurry of possession and pressure could not change it for the Reds.
The FA Cup, one of the oldest competitions in the football world. There is certainly a magic surrounding the finals and it kind of feels like a royal, grand occasion. It would certainly have been a magical night for Liverpool had they won it, because let me tell you, no matter what a fan may be saying, a cup win is special! But we will have to be content with the one until next season.
If there was a game that we missed the presence of Lucas in, it was this one. Kenny Dalglish opted for a central midfield pairing of Henderson and Spearing, who – whether because of the occasion or otherwise – were a couple of millimeters short of woeful. Gerrard was given an advanced midfield role to support Suarez deployed as a lone striker. While I am a great fan of Kenny Dalglish and am not blessed as him in the field of football, this was something I did not agree with! Chelsea had a makeshift defence and it was best to attack them as was shown in the last half-hour. They were likely to succumb to the slightest bit of pressure.
Liverpool started very poorly, especially for the first thirty minutes and were prone to giving the ball away and generally seemed overawed by the occasion. The Reds’ got to grips with the game only after going behind. Spearing conceded possession too easily and Enrique too was beaten easily by Ramirez who went on to beat Reina at the near post. Reina’s positioning could have been better for the goal. Spearing and Henderson’s troubles in the midfield meant Gerrard was forced to go deeper and Suarez was left pretty much isolated up front against the back four.
Liverpool were looking a bit better in the early stages of the second half but once again, seven minutes into the restart, Spearing was easily beaten by Lampard whose pass to Drogba was controlled and finished decisively by the Ivorian, across Reina. Spearing was then relieved of his misery and Carroll brought on in his place. Liverpool were almost instantly rewarded when Downing’s block fell to Carroll who turned Terry beautifully before slamming his shot high into the roof of the net! Game on! Now Liverpool had some momentum on their side and the crowd was getting vocal. Suarez then tested Cech’s concentration but the latter pulled off a good save to deny him. About ten minutes before full time, it seemed that the decision to bring on Carroll had paid dividends when his headed effort was ruled to have been stopped on the line by Cech. Replays proved to be inconclusive but if the photos are anything to go by, that was a goal.
Over the line or not?
Liverpool still continued to press but Chelsea rode the wave and after the five minutes of added time went on to claim the trophy.
It was a poor performance from Liverpool, especially in the first half and essentially that did cost them the game. You cannot not turn up in a final! Quite similar to the performance against Fulham. But anyway Carroll’s attitude was good to see and he was unfortunate to see the second go against him. A continuous run of games would do him good!
So heading into the last home game of the season, that too against our cup opponents, I hope a win is not too much to ask for! Anfield has been subdued and a win would do wonders for the morale of everyone going into the next season. Also it is a chance to get revenge on Chelsea so why not?
I would expect to see the likes of Shelvey, Maxi, Kuyt and Carroll playing in this one and perhaps with Sterling given some minutes as well. This is what I would want to see:
Reina
Kelly – Skrtel – Coates – Aurelio
Shelvey – Gerrard
Kuyt Maxi
Suarez – Carroll
I know fatigue may prevent this lineup from actually happening but that would be nice to see! So let’s see!
! But anyway those are my two cents. What about yours?
