Liverpool clinched their eighth FA Cup title with a thrilling win over Chelsea in Saturday’s Wembley showdown for the coveted competition.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
A much-changed XI took the field for Liverpool but Jurgen Klopp’s men were dominant from the first whistle as Luis Diaz created trouble for the Chelsea backline.
The Anfield new boy delivered a ball just inches away from Thiago Alcantara to find the back of the net as moments later it was Mohamed Salah who could not get the clinical touch to slot his effort.
Liverpool were in for a setback around the half-hour mark with talisman Salah forced off the pitch with a sore groin with Klopp bringing on Diogo Jota as the Egyptian’s replacement.
Chelsea got the second period underway with renewed energy as wing-back Marcos Alonso went close twice, his second effort striking the crossbar with a free-kick.
In the final moments of normal time, Liverpool hit the post twice in quick succession with Diaz’s strike followed up by Andy Robertson striking against the woodwork.
Virgil van Dijk was brought off for the additional 30 minutes but Liverpool held a strong wall at the back to keep the Chelsea attackers on bay with the game heading into a penalty shootout.
Cesar Azpilicueta was the first player to miss his effort from the spot but Sadio Mane was unable to win the game for his side as his strike was denied by Edouard Mendy.
With Mason Mount’s effort kept out by Alisson Becker, it all came down to Kostas Tsimikas to step up and score the penalty to clinch the trophy for the Reds.
