CaughtOffside rates the Liverpool players for their performances against Chelsea…
Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool – Branislav Ivanovic’s header four minutes into extra time proved to be the difference between these two evenly matches at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues progressing to the Capital One Cup final.
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Both teams had their chances during the first 90 minutes, with both Thibaut Courtois and Simon Mignolet making several excellent saves, but it was Chelsea who got the crucial goal after Ivanovic escaped Mario Balotelli and powered home.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 8
Excellent save to deny Diego Costa after a wicked deflection ofF Martin Skrtel and also came out well to smother at the feet of the Spaniard. A totally commanding presence, an excellent performance. Could do nothing about the goal.
RCB) Emre Can – 7
Recovered from an early and ugly stamp from Costa to put in a decent performance at the back, which also included several powerful bursts forward.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 6
Almost gifted Chelsea a goal after giving the ball away cheaply. Injured himself in the process and replaced by Glen Johnson.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 7
Was another victim of a possible Costa stamp. Put in an all-action display full of guts and determination. Unfortunate to be on the losing side in this one.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 6
The Brazilian put in a strong and commanding performance in front of the back three, but was a little lucky not to be sent off for more than one foul while already on a yellow card.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 6
Another Reds player who could have quite easily seen red after a deliberate handball when already on a yellow card. Wasteful at times in possession.
RM) Lazar Markovic – 6
Had a couple of moments where he showed the Chelsea defence a clean pair of heels, but failed to consistently involve himself in the game, leading to him being replaced after 70 minutes.
LM) Alberto Moreno – 7
Worked extremely hard down the left hand side, forcing a good save from the Chelsea keeper after a fine overlapping run. Replaced mid-way through extra-time as Liverpool chased an equaliser.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 6
A couple of flashes from the Brazilian, but he was kept quiet for much of the game by an impressive defensive effort from Chelsea.
AM) Steven Gerrard – 7
Did his best to drive Liverpool forward, playing a couple of nice passes, but was ultimately left disappointed. The FA Cup now represents his final chance to make it to Wembley.
ST) Raheem Sterling – 7
Caused plenty of problems with his pace and movement, but will be disappointed not to have done better on the rare chance he did have at the Chelsea goal.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 6
Couldn’t have asked much more of his team, but was ultimately left disappointed. Balotelli have come on when he did?
Subs:
1) Glen Johnson – 6 – Did little wrong after replacing Sakho, a decent effort in a big game.
2) Mario Balotelli – 4 – How many more chances will he get? At fault for the goal, wasteful up front.
3) Rickie Lambert – 5 – Little chance to make an impact, wasted his one chance from range.
