Liverpool and Chelsea, two modern-day Premier League rivals, locked horns this afternoon in the FA Cup final. The Reds edged past the Blues in the League Cup finals and the latter, therefore, were determined for revenge at the Wembley Stadium. However, the game proved to be another 120 minutes of stalemate and the Merseysiders had the last laugh once again as they clinched a 6-5 win on penalties to complete the Cup double by defeating the same opponent.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their dramatic win against Chelsea.
Alisson Becker: 8
Made a couple of crucial saves during the game, but the most significant one was Mason Mount’s spot-kick that made all the difference in the sudden death.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7
Had a few nervy occasions at the back. Eventually improved his defensive game with a few massive clearances. Could have been more lethal with his crosses and set-pieces. Made no mistake to convert his penalty.
Ibrahima Konate: 7.5
Impressive in the heart of the backline with his pace, power and aerial supremacy. Contained Romelu Lukaku as well as Christian Pulisic high up the pitch.
Virgil van Dijk: 7
Should have done better at times in terms of decision making. But his presence and game-reading attributes helped Liverpool maintain resilience under pressure. Was taken off to be replaced by Joe Matip before extra time.
Andrew Robertson: 7
Showed great energy down the left with his overlapping runs and attacking threats. Should have killed the game though within 90 minutes as his close-range effort hit the woodwork late in the game. Was replaced by Kostas Tsimikas late in the extra time and the Greek left fullback fired in the winner to secure the silverware.
Jordan Henderson: 7.5
Featured as a ‘number 6’ amid the injury absence of Fabinho. Controlled the midfield game and did his best to adjust the pace whenever the opponents had the upper hand in the centre of the pitch.
Thiago Alcantara: 7.5
Missed the League Cup final due to a late injury. But the Spaniard featured all throughout this evening including a smartly taken spot-kick that ended up into the back of the net.
Naby Keita: 7
Made some decent runs with the ball at his feet. Linked up well in and around the attacking third before making way for James Milner around the 74th-minute mark.
Mohamed Salah: 6.5
Started the game brightly but was forced to leave the pitch early into the game with an injury.
Luis Diaz: 8
Incredible down the wide with his trademark runs and attempts from distance. Was denied by Edouard Mendy, missed the target on a few occasions, and also hit the woodwork before being replaced by Roberto Firmino during the first half of extra time.
Sadio Mane: 6.5
Not his day as he offered little attacking threat. Could have had the winner in the tie-breaker, but his penalty was saved by Mendy forcing the game into sudden death.
Liverpool Subs Vs Chelsea
Diogo Jota: 7
Missed the target on a couple of occasions, however, made no mistake to find the net during sudden death.
James Milner: 8
Although in his late thirties, the Englishman delivered yet another masterclass since replacing Keita in the middle of the park. Set the tone for the Reds by converting their first penalty.
Joel Matip: 7.5
Was solid at the back since replacing Virgil van Dijk for the extra time.
Roberto Firmino: 7
Still lacks match fitness but he somehow managed to beat past Mendy from the spot.
Kostas Tsimikas: 7.5
The ‘Greek scouser’ must have become the cult hero by converting the decisive penalty in the sudden death.
