PLAYER RATINGS: CHELSEA 0-0 LIVERPOOL (5-6 ON PENALTIES)

Liverpool won the FA Cup by beating Chelsea on penalties once again. A keenly contested tie ended goalless after extra time, with both sides missing good opportunities. Alisson made the crucial save from Mount’s penalty to allow Tsimikas fire home the winning spot kick. Here are player ratings from the game.

Alisson – 8.5

Was excellent throughout. Spread himself big to block Alonso’s effort when the Spaniard broke through on goal. Pushed Pulisic’s second half strike away. Came up trumps in the shootout with an incredible save from Mount’s spot kick in sudden death.

Alexander-Arnold – 8.5

First half he played some unbelievable passes, with one outside of the boot pass sending Diaz away. Alonso sneaked in behind him twice to go close but second half he was superb defensively. Made some crucial interceptions and tackles at the back post. Scored a boss penalty as well.

Konaté – 8.5

He plays with a maturity well beyond his years. Battled Lukaku expertly and then shepherded Loftus-Cheek when Van Dijk went off. He showed his pace when Kanté threatened to break away in extra time. He’s an outstanding defender. He’s probably played his way into the lineup for the Champions League final.

Van Dijk – 7.5

Lost a few headers to Lukaku but matched him on the deck. Marshalled the backline well and was always on hand to make a clearance when a dangerous cross came into the box. He was dragged out wide a few times. Taken off ahead of extra time. Hopefully not a bad injury.

Robertson – 6

Should have scored when Milner picked him out at the backpost but could only shin it against the post. Unlucky. Couldn’t do much with a Trent cross earlier as well. Not at his sharpest but gave it a lot of effort. Lost the ball once or twice.

Henderson – 8

I thought he was quietly brilliant. Sat at the base of midfield and mopped up well. Was very calm in possession and helped dictate proceedings. You could see him bellowing instructions deep into extra time. Leader.

Keita – 6.5

Was alright. Had an attempt on target when he took aim from the right hand side of the box. Saw another shot from the edge of the box go wide. Didn’t do much wrong but wasn’t as imposing as he could be. 

Thiago – 8.5

Ran the show for the Reds. Anytime Chelsea rallied, Liverpool sought a way back into the game by getting the Spaniard on the ball again. He played some wickedly disguised passes to set moves away. Took a bang but fought through till the end. A typically devilish technique on his penalty.

Salah – 6

Started well, intercepted a pass and found Mané in an early move which almost brought the opening goal. Picked up what looked like a groin injury after just half an hour.

Mané – 7

Started like a house on fire in that false nine role. Dropped deep, got on the ball and set Diaz away a number of times. Played well throughout. Didn’t really have any glaring chances. You could see him tire after 80 minutes but he kept going. Lost the ball a few times. Could have won it with his penalty but put it too close to Mendy. 

Diaz – 8.5

Was the most threatening player on the day. Constantly left Chalobah for dead and got crosses and shots away. Hit the outside of the post with a rasping drive. Very unlucky not to score. On another day could have netted a hat trick. Maybe could have done better as he got a lot of sights of goal. Named Man of the Match.

Substitutes

Jota – 7

He was at the sharpest he’s been in recent weeks. Got involved straightaway and his touch was assured. Created chances for his teammates and went close himself with a powerful strike across goal. Showed no nerves as he tucked home his spot kick.

Milner – 7

Also looked very sharp when he came on. Perhaps created the most clear cut chance of the game when he found Robbo at the back post for a tap in. He of course stepped up to take the first penalty and scored with typical aplomb.

Matip – 7

Came on for Virgil and slotted in seamlessly. Showed all his experience when he calmly dispossessed a Chelsea attacker in the box. Made some crucial clearances.

Firmino – 6

Couldn’t get in the game at all. You could see the rust (he hasn’t played for almost a month). Stuttered in his run up for his spot kick and got enough power on it to beat Mendy.

Tsimikas – 6.5

Wasn’t particularly great when he came on as he took a couple of heavy touches. His usually deadly deliveries were missing as well. Showed recovery pace to halt one counter. Scored the winning penalty with such coolness. Cupped his ears to the Chelsea end. Legend.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer went with the team most fans expected, with the only slight surprise being Konaté for Matip. He was justified as Ibou put in such an accomplished performance. He didn’t take any risk when Mo pulled up with an injury and didn’t disrupt his front three by switching Mané or Diaz to the right.

Milner made an impact when he came on. Matip, Bobby and Tsimikas kept up the energy levels and in the end, it’s another trophy in the bag. A sixth piece of silverware under the German. Happy days.