Two of the strongest teams in the English Premier League are vying for the FA Cup. Liverpool were looking to increase their Carabao Cup win, meanwhile, Chelsea were hoping to salvage a mediocre season.
It was the Reds who started at the top. Luis Diaz caused all kinds of problems in Chelsea’s defense, including a draw from Edward Mendy. There were a few decent chances. Chelsea were struggling to get a favor for their strikers while Liverpool looked in a position of control.
Keep it up, boys! ✊
🟡 0-0 🔴 [33] #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/fx7Os9M6kK
– Chelsea (ChelseaFC) May 14, 2022
Christian Pulisic put in his best effort in the 20th minute only. However, his shot was deflected wide after Mason Mount caught him inside the box. This was followed by Marcos Alonso’s test of Alisson, who came out to choke the shot. Liverpool suffered a heavy blow, with Mohamed Salah out of injury to be replaced by Diogo Jota. The substitute had a great opportunity but raised his shot shortly before the end of the first half.
Nothing separates the two teams at the break#EmiratesFACup | #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/Q8yFtbKpa9
– Liverpool FC (LFC) May 14, 2022
Chelsea started the second half in a completely different way. They had a bunch of opportunities early on. Alonso pulled a big effort before hitting the post with a free kick from a tight angle. In between, Pulisic tested Allison with a determined effort. Meanwhile, Diaz was still creating problems on the other hand. He himself hit a kick that crossed the goal. Jota got the next big opening but fired his shot just wide.
61′ – Mane heads for Keita, finds Jota and his low shot across the goal is inches wide.
[0-0]#EmiratesFACup | #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/jjd1FZjrXG
– Liverpool FC (LFC) May 14, 2022
Pulisic was frustrated as the afternoon ended, setting another chance wide. It was the same with Diaz, who hit the near post, as the match entered the last five minutes of normal time. Again, it was his last brilliant chance in the original time but the shot bounced off the post. The final will go into overtime.
It was a dismal affair on both sides, with neither side willing to compromise. Therefore, it came to the penalty shootout again, just like the Carabao Cup. Alonso and James Milner scored their opening kick before Cesar Azpilicueta hit the post. None of the other players wasted as Sadio Mane had the opportunity to shut him down. However, his untimely death was denied by his international colleague. Mason Mount kick saved and Costas Tsimikas Winner record.
Here are the three main points from the match:
Liverpool is heading towards the quadruple
Luis Diaz is an outstanding player and should have scored at least two goals in the final. He was causing all sorts of problems for Chelsea’s defense. Trevoh Shaloba was struggling to deal with it. He had some great opportunities but Mendy and the position conspired to deny him. Injury to Salah pushed Jota in, who made a great effort himself. Aside from the frontline players, there wasn’t much of a threat coming from other places. Liverpool had to do a lot of defense too, as Chelsea looked to put an end to the match. Alisson was kept busy in the second half while Alexander-Arnold had some great passes. However, the game eventually came to a penalty shootout. Tsimikas scored the winning goal as Jurgen Klopp won the FA Cup for the first time.
Chelsea left to regret who misses
The Blues had a poor start to the game but they recovered greatly. Pulisic was guilty of turning down some great opportunities. Alonso did his best, even hitting the post. However, their defense had to do most of the heavy lifting in the face of intense pressure. Antonio Rudiger was flawless while Mateo Kovacic was fantastic at his hourly play. Romelu Lukaku was a quiet threat but Mason Mount put in a good game. So did Reece James. However, the match was destined for a penalty shootout with Mendy in the net this time. Azpilicueta made a mistake, which increased the pressure on his teammates. Mindy saved him but was helpless because Mount’s waste was followed by Tsimikas’ recording.
Quadrilateral in
Liverpool is still in search of a quartet. The Premier League has a three-point difference with only two games remaining. UEFA Champions League Final beckons.