Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson helped his team to win the FA Cup final penalty shootout in more ways than one.
The Brazilian saved from Mason Mount before Kostas Tsimikas scored the winning penalty to ensure Liverpool beat Chelsea on spot-kicks after an enthralling, but goalless first 120 minutes of the tie when neither side could break the deadlock at Wembley.
But along with some important saves in normal time and the superb save from Mount’s penalty, Alisson also ensured that his opposite number, Edouard Mendy, could not play mind games during the shootout.
IAN DOYLE ANALYSIS: Luis Diaz proves extraordinary truth as frightening Trent Alexander-Arnold reality emerges
PAUL GORST VERDICT: Jurgen Klopp becomes immortal but the best could be still to come for Liverpool
The Senegalese kept interfering with penalties during his nation’s shootout victory over Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations final in February.
But Alisson was focused on not allowing this to happen again and after every Chelsea penalty he scooped up the ball and handed it to his Liverpool team-mates.
It proved to be an inspired decision as only Sadio Mane, who scored the winning penalty in the aforementioned Africa Cup of Nations final as Mendy’s international team-mate, missed.
Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Roberto Firmino, Thiago and James Milner all scored their spot kicks and the result means that Alisson has now won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with Liverpool - six trophies in four years since his £66.8m move from Roma in 2018.
“It’s amazing, we did such a good performance,” Alisson told the BBC at full-time. "It was a shame we didn't score. It was a proper fight, we kept a clean sheet, and then afterwards the boys were unbelievable scoring the goals. I just had to save the last one. I am so happy. Myself and also Mendy did amazing saves. I couldn't have done the saves without the help of the team. They work well and make it easier for me."
The Brazil international was delighted with his save from Mount when he leapt to his left and powered away the Englishman’s efforts. He said: "It was good, hey? All goalkeeper coaches they help me with the decisions. They are fantastic players, Chelsea did really well but we deserved to win this. I only make the save because we deserved to win this.
"This gives us more confidence in the Premier League and also the Champions League final. It's a fantastic moment now, we just need to enjoy"
