Two penalty saves from Simon Mignolet and a sudden-death conversion from Joe Allen was enough to put the Reds through, settling the 1-1 aggregate score. Jürgen Klopp set his team up in his now customary 4-3-3 structure with Jon Flanagan, Kolo Touré, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno ahead of Mignolet. Ahead of them, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva and Emre Can, supporting the attacking trio of Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and James Milner. With a slender away win from the first leg, this was a game that called for a solid team performance and definitely none of the calamitous defending and goalkeeping that has dogged the side in their recent fixtures. There was no room for a Norwich-esque performance here.
Stoke came to Anfield last night looking to seal a first visit to Wembley since narrowly losing 1-0 to Manchester City in 2011 FA Cup final. Mark Hughes set his team out to attack, attack and attack. And indeed, attack they did. The visitors took the lead in first half injury time in controversial fashion. TV replays showed scorer Marko Arnautovic was at least a yard off side. There was even an offside situation in the build up to the goal, but referee Jonathan Moss was not alerted by his assistant and the goal stood.
Liverpool didn't play that well, if the truth be told. They played no more than "OK". Occasional erratic passing and a lack of attacking threat really summed up their performance. Mignolet had a decent game in goal and Flanagan was solid in the right-back position. I'd even go so far as to say that the 23-year-old will give the Nathaniel Clyne stiff competition for that slot when he is fully fit.
The man of the match for me, was Sakho. The gangly Frenchman was stout in the tackle and on three or four occasions got some important blocks in to thwart the visitors' attacks. Watching him last night was a clear demonstration of the cliché: "putting your body on the line". A great performance. Also impressive was Can. The ex-Leverkusen midfielder made some penetrating runs at the Stoke defence and came close with long ranged efforts on a couple of occasions.
After a cagey period of extra time the dreaded penalty shoot out was upon us. I have to say, I fancied Liverpool to get through. Simply because in recent times, their record for penalties has actually been pretty good. They've have won 14 of their last 17 spot kick duels, so it shows the team is reasonably consistent at something, despite the stick we often give them for their general defending. In terms of technical discipline and nerve, they obviously have some ability.
The unlikely hero on the hight was Allen. Or, the Welsh Xavi if you prefer. Mignolet of course done well to make his saves and he's renowned for saving penalties. However, the diminutive 25 year-old from Carmarthen has perhaps been one of Liverpool's best players in recent weeks. Many thought he would be leaving the club, as he rarely featured in Klopp's early selections.
However, his dedication, professional attitude and of course ability to adapt to the new regime has been impressive. You've got to admire that. No fuss, just hard work and grafting for the team when called upon. After what must surely have been a period of frustration, he is now returning to the form he showed in 2013/14.
Klopp paid tribute to Allen after the match. Conceding he is not a regular starter but praised his performances when required. He was unable to watch the penalty shoot out. Understandable of course, but complimented the defending of the set pieces and "...winning the second ball...." Not a great performance in the first half but overall deserved considering the nature of the visitors' goal. The ex-Dortmund manager, like the rest of us is hoping for an all-Merseyside cup final. Let's hope this happens.
So, next up is another cup game on Saturday, in the FA Cup. This time against West Ham. A huge, huge match considering the opposition and their undoubted ability. If the team wins that, then maybe there'll be another cup run to speak of. For now though. We have a trip to Wembley booked for one at least.
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