Kostas Tsimikas was the hero as Liverpool beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to win the FA Cup.
It finished goalless after 90 minutes at Wembley, though Liverpool will feel they should have won it in normal time. Luis Diaz went close on countless occasions, while Andy Robertson missed a couple of massive chances for the Reds.
There was very little in the way of clear-cut chances in extra-time, as for the second time in a cup final between these two sides this season in went to penalties.
Sadio Mane had a chance to win the shootout, only to be denied by Senegal teammate Edouard Mendy. Alisson made a sensational save to keep out Mason Mount’s effort, setting the stage for Tsimikas to step up and dispatch his spot-kick to keep the quadruple dream alive.
Alisson 8
Quickly off his line to deny Marcos Alonso when called upon in the first-half, picking up a knock in the process, and had to make a fairly comfortable save to keep Christian Pulisic’s strike out just after the break. Stunning save in the shootout to deny Mason Mount and send his side on their way to victory.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
At his influential best going forward, even if that did allow Alonso to get in behind a couple of times. Unlucky not to have a couple of assists, after playing stunning balls to provide brilliant chances for both Luis Diaz and Robertson which neither were able to take. Crucial sliding challenge to prevent Pulisic getting a shot away too. Rolled his penalty into the bottom corner superbly.
Ibrahima Konate 7
Rarely called into action, with his defensive partner doing most of the work when it came to dealing with Romelu Lukaku. On the occasions he was challenged one-on-one, he was more than up to the task.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Strong in the first-half when Lukaku tried to pin him and kept the Chelsea striker under control on the whole. His positioning was perfect on more than one occasion, whether it be to close down a run in behind or clear a cross into the box.
Andy Robertson 6
Supported Luis Diaz well on the left wing but missed two massive chances for his side, making a mess of a header early in the second-half before hammering an effort onto the post from close range late on. Should really have scored both.
Jordan Henderson 7
The deepest of the three midfielders in the absence of Fabinho, and did the job impressively. Hardly noticeable for much of the match, which is a compliment to someone playing that role.
Thiago 7
As comfortable as ever in possession with some lovely flicks, if not quite at his sublime best. Looked increasingly tired as the match went on, perhaps feeling the impact of a heavy challenge from Reece James. Cool penalty, with the help of the woodwork.
Naby Keita 6
Sent a tame shot straight at Edouard Mendy and failed to have much of an impact on the match. Was often the furthest midfielder forward for the Reds but his end product was lacking on the whole.
Mohamed Salah 5
Barely had a touch before injury ended his afternoon with 33 minutes on the clock. Liverpool will be desperately hoping it’s not serious enough to put his Champions League final participation in doubt.
Sadio Mane 6
Played down the middle and dropped in deep to pick up the ball and start attacks. Played a couple of nice passes into teammates, but barely had a sniff of goal himself. Incredibly weak penalty was saved by Mendy.
Luis Diaz 9
Caused Trevoh Chalobah huge problems in the opening minutes - could have scored a couple and set up another two with barely 15 minutes on the clock. Was a constant threat throughout, hitting the post from a tight angle and sending a number of other shots narrowly wide. Chelsea were incredibly relieved to see him replaced early in extra-time.
Subs:
Diogo Jota (Salah 33’) 6
Big chance to put Liverpool in front just before the break which he sent over the bar, before dragging a shot wide in the second-half. Had little involvement beyond that, though it was a great penalty under pressure in the shootout.
James Milner (Keita 74’) 7
Wonderful cross seemingly put an FA Cup final winner on a plate for Robertson, who found the post in his way. Would be fair to describe pretty much everything he did as ‘no-nonsense’. Just about put away his penalty.
Joel Matip (Van Dijk 90’) 7
Called into action soon after coming on to stop a dangerous Chelsea counter as Pulisic took a heavy touch, before dealing with Hakim Ziyech well in a composed display.
Roberto Firmino (Diaz 98’) 5
Hardly had a touch in his 22 minutes on the pitch, in his first appearance since a cameo off the bench in the semi-final win over Manchester City. Did what was required of him in the shootout.
Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson 111’) 10
Scored the penalty to win the FA Cup for his side. What more can you say?
Unused: Kelleher, Gomez, Jones, Origi
