Topic: CUP FINAL - Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool: Full time

[Macphisto80]

Does anyone think Pepe could have done more about with both goals ?
I know whats done is done and I love the man, but his form has been very concerning this Year.

First goal he should never have been beaten at his front post. I thought the ball had hit the side netting, or at least expected it to, so I was shocked to realize it was in the back of the goal instead, that's how much of an error it was for him. Almost school boy in fact. He'll be gutted he never kept that out.

[mat106]

Just got home from the game and I'm gutted and exhausted.

Firstly let me just say that our supporters were immense loud and proud and put those rent boys to shame. Even when walking back to the tube at the end of the cup ceremony, the reds were still singing and made a mockery of the rent boys who even as winners were silent...they are a joke, pathetic, plastic and puerile!

It was a strange game to watch. Chelsea weren't that good in the first half we were just that shite. Our left side was totally ineffective and Enrique was exposed today. Our midfield was non existent and it meant Gerrard had to come back and leave Suarez isolated. We were very poor. The game changed with Carroll. He was immense! All I can say on Carroll is that strikers need games.

As gutted as I am I'm proud of our supporters and the way the lads played in the last 35 minutes. There were two spurs supporters sitting in front of us who said at the very least we deserved extra time. It was disappointing...hideously disappointing!

I think I'm right in saying that one noticeable absence in the chants was one for Dalglish...I'm not sure if there's anything in that. Time will tell.

[Brentieke]

Has there ever been a worst central midfield partnership starting a major final in the history of Liverpool Football Club than Jordan Henderson and Jay Spearing?

[slaphead]

This was the biggest game in the careers of Enrique, Spearing, Henderson and Downing and it showed.

Chelsea are a better team than us. We've won 2/3 against them this season and 4 out of the last 5. They were seriously due a win.

Will spend all Summer thinking of that Carroll header now eh.

I'll spend the rest of this evening thinking of it then move on
Losing finals is what turns boys into men and losers into winners

[Harinder]

Home. Tired.

The last 30 mins should have been how we played all through the match.

Back next year 

[steveeastend]

Just got home from the game and I'm gutted and exhausted.

Firstly let me just say that our supporters were immense loud and proud and put those rent boys to shame. Even when walking back to the tube at the end of the cup ceremony, the reds were still singing and made a mockery of the rent boys who even as winners were silent...they are a joke, pathetic, plastic and puerile!

It was a strange game to watch. Chelsea weren't that good in the first half we were just that shite. Our left side was totally ineffective and Enrique was exposed today. Our midfield was non existent and it meant Gerrard had to come back and leave Suarez isolated. We were very poor. The game changed with Carroll. He was immense! All I can say on Carroll is that strikers need games.

As gutted as I am I'm proud of our supporters and the way the lads played in the last 35 minutes. There were two spurs supporters sitting in front of us who said at the very least we deserved extra time. It was disappointing...hideously disappointing!

I think I'm right in saying that one noticeable absence in the chants was one for Dalglish...I'm not sure if there's anything in that. Time will tell.

Nice summary, thanks for that!

[Hyypia headers]

Well I' ve given the alcohol and disappointment some time to die out, so I think I'm in a right state of mind to post my view on today. .

We got what we deserved in the first halve. We played a cowards game and that suits Chelsea more than any other club in world. We showed more initiative in the second half and once Carroll came on we bossed the game. Over 90mins, we deserved to win. More than Chelsea because we actually tried to get the game going. Chelsea never tried anything.

I'm proud to be a Red today. I believe we won't be as bitter than those plastics to keep moaning over that goal they robbed us from today. We, and they, know that our name would be on the cup if it was given. It' s a disgrace, no doubt about that. But we will get ours and it will mean alot more than anything that blue lot can ever hope for.

It' s just a game.

[The Playmaker]

Well done to the team for reaching the FA Cup final this season. It just wasn’t to be for various reasons.

Our defending for both goals was very poor. I thought that Reina should have saved the first chance but it was poor from Spearing in midfield to give the ball away and then Enrique’s defending was also bad. Plenty of mistakes were made in the first goal.

The second goal was a good finish by Drogba but Lampard easily bypassed Spearing with ease and once that happened we were in trouble. Lampard has looked pretty good in recent games for Chelsea and provided a brilliant weighted pass for Drogba, who finished quite well in all fairness. His celebration was much like the man himself, embarrassing. Juan Mata also played quite well too for them.

Our midfield was really poor once again today. Spearing and Henderson didn't control the game at all. Gerrard just dropped deeper and deeper which made Suarez more isolated upfront. Downing didn't play too well either, which was no major surprise. I want to see him run at the full-back nine times out of ten. He's a little bit too conservative in my eyes. Equally, a lot of times he just cuts back and plays the safe pass, so perhaps players just aren't anticipating him providing the cross anyway, which is why sometimes we don’t overload players in the area.

I don't think that Bellamy had a very good game either. I was surprised that Bellamy didn’t start on the left though. All in all, not many players played very well. As a team we just didn't look good for a lot of the game. It's the FA Cup final and we didn't get going quickly enough.

Our decision making at times was pretty poor, and we misplaced a fair few passes. A lot of passes were just going from side to side without our play actually progressing. Chelsea didn’t look too worried until the last half hour or so. We looked far better once Carroll came on. Bringing him on meant that Suarez wasn’t as isolated. He scored a good goal, and had a couple of other chances. His work-rate was also impressive but his all round play was superb. Since the Newcastle game he has been an absolute beast for us. I hope that Carroll can continue with his impressive form.

[dave 5516]

Personally, I support the England team for precisely that reason. Nice to have shared experiences with your fellow countryman which you can cherish together and feel pride in what you collectively stand for. It's the same with Liverpool, mind, but that doesn't mean that something like the World Cup or European Championships shouldn't be an opportunity to support my country. What I don't really understand is people on here willing England to lose. I know that maybe players like Gerrard swanning off to Ukraine and South Africa probably isn't ideal for his fitness, but why not enjoy it? You don't have to support just one team...(and I know the FA is run by a lot of technocratic, greedy cuntbags, too, but so were we for a few years and that didn't stop me supporting Liverpool Football Club)

Well mate,that's all well and good,but you need to learn a bit about the people and city I come from,and then you'll have a better understanding of why we don't support England and don't feel an English.Liverpool is the most celtic city in these island outside the celtic country's.

And it's got nothing to do with the inept FA

Sorry Alan.I didn't see you post until I had posted this.

[macca888]

The 2nd he didnt even reach his arm out for the ball. Weird.
More important things to worry about I suppose.

Giving him the benefit of the doubt here, but I understand that some people are concerned about his form to some extent. For the 1st one, he was anticipating the shot across him rather than at his near post which in fairness is where most strikers would have placed the ball. Unfortunately he'd already started moving to his right and couldn't quite adjust himself. For the 2nd, I do think he was left a little unsighted because of Skrtel being between him and Drogba which meant he dived a little late.

[Twelfth Man]

I think the national anthem is a piece of shit.
NUFC made Moneyball transfers.
And that Jordan Henderson will be as good as Lucas for us.


Hang me.

[muffins]

Eagerly awaiting one of the great posts in here to be reposted in the "Kwality Posts" thread.

[mtpeters]

Has there ever been a worst central midfield partnership starting a major final in the history of Liverpool Football Club than Jordan Henderson and Jay Spearing?

Starting a major final, nothing comes to mind.  Although, the very first name that came to mind when I read "worst central midfield" was Poulsen.  Hendo and Spearing were both lacking today.  I thought Spearing was the worse of the two today, and I wish that Henderson wouldn't have tried to blast the ball so many times today.  I thought he could have played the pass on that one towards the end rather than going for glory...eh.

[Easy]

Jordan Henderson will be as good as Lucas for us.

Time will tell. For now he's shite.

[Xabidodger]

Home, Tired and a bit pissed. Our support is all day was excellent. Will post tomorrow thoughts and musings after a bottle of wine and kip.

Two things though, I did not even know Hard-Fi existed anymore and the Met Police are knobheads. 

[The Jackal]

First goal he should never have been beaten at his front post. I thought the ball had hit the side netting, or at least expected it to, so I was shocked to realize it was in the back of the goal instead, that's how much of an error it was for him. Almost school boy in fact. He'll be gutted he never kept that out.

Not just down to Pepe that goal though. Rafa always used to say that you could sometimes getr away with one mistake, but if you had two or three mistakes in succession you often conceded a goal. Spearing > Enrique > Pepe.. That's three - possibly others in there two in terms of covering positions from the rest of our players - i.e. if Spearing goes to press then someone (e.g. Henderson) has got to drop in to cover - as it happens it was actaully gerrard who made a run to try and get back. Also covering position of Agger - was he too far away from Enrique?

In any case several errors compunded led to the goal. I said before the match that SPearing's performance would be key and so it turned out, but notint the right way unfortunately.. I also saif though that the other players woould have to help him - especially our two CB's. Unfortunately this dodn't happen either..

Individually and collectively we were not good enough. Can't pin blame on individual players for that IMO. The whole team has to take responsibility.

[kennedy81]

gutted, hate losing to those c*nts almost as much as the mancs.
no complaints about the 'phantom' goal, didn't look in to me, though it was mighty close.
Carroll should have buried it in fairness, though he was immense when he came on.
he's a different player when he's playing with some confidence.
the sight of him bedazzling Terry with his fancy footwork before lashing it home was something to savor.

Pepe, beaten at his near post...again.

can't give a team a 2 goal lead in a cup final, but at least we showed some pride in the last 30mins and played some decent stuff.
when they got their second I was sure we were dead and buried.

onwards and upwards,
should be an interesting season next year.

[Crackerjack Sam]

At least we didnt go out like chumps. But Reina, Spearing and Hendo had shockers. Hopefully we'll from this and move on.

[Kashinoda]

Gah this hurts a lot, wish this shit was easier to get over but the reality is this isn't just football, it's fucking family. I'm going to turn into a right soppy c*nt tonight

Still, a little perspective and a laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MusyO7J2inM

I'm off to down some more drink, too many shitheads on here tonight. Goodluck mods!

[mtpeters]

Not just down to Pepe that goal though. Rafa always used to say that you could sometimes getr away with one mistake, but if you had two or three mistakes in succession you often conceded a goal. Spearing > Enrique > Pepe.. That's three - possibly others in there two in terms of covering positions from the rest of our players - i.e. if Spearing goes to press then someone (e.g. Henderson) has got to drop in to cover - as it happens it was actaully gerrard who made a run to try and get back. Also covering position of Agger - was he too far away from Enrique?

In any case several errors compunded led to the goal. I said before the match that SPearing's performance would be key and so it turned out, but notint the right way unfortunately.. I also saif though that the other players woould have to help him - especially our two CB's. Unfortunately this dodn't happen either..

Individually and collectively we were not good enough. Can't pin blame on individual players for that IMO. The whole team has to take responsibility.

All true, but I don't think Agger could have done much to help on the first goal.  Win as a team, lose as a team...however, fantastic individual effort from Andy Carroll.  When he broke Terry's ankles, well...that was just beautiful stuff.

[thereader]

Was a boring final for a while which was a nightmare considering i'd just attended a god awful match.  It picked up in the second half especially when Liverpool scored, the tide just totally turned.  I'd probably go along with the line the better team for 60 minutes deserved to win but I can see why you'll feel hard done by to have not taken it to extra time.

I'll be watching with interest to see where Liverpool go from here, my only thought would be that the owners won't be bringing sentiment into their decisions, although I guess we can't be sure exactly how they view the season as a whole.

[lfc_col]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2cugUwVMLE

[Red Scouse]

Has there ever been a worst central midfield partnership starting a major final in the history of Liverpool Football Club than Jordan Henderson and Jay Spearing?

Never, and that was always going to be a problem. Compounding that was the fact that, apart from Johnson, Suarez and Carroll, we didn't turn up for the game, I'd give Skrtel and Agger a bit of slack but the rest were shite.

Sad day, let's hope the club learn from this and move forward - under KK of course.

YNWA

[Twelfth Man]

Time will tell. For now he's shite.

That is precisely what I thought of Lucas, funnily enough.

[Alan_X]

Well mate,that's all well and good,but you need to learn a bit about the people and city I come from,and then you'll have a better understanding of why we don't support England and don't feel an English.Liverpool is the most celtic city in these island outside the celtic country's.

And it's got nothing to do with the inept FA

Sorry Alan.I didn't see you post until I had posted this.

No problem mate. I just PM'd him saying that. I'm an OOT who's been privileged to follow Liverpool for more than forty years. Like you say, it's basic courtesy to learn about the club, the city and the people if you want to follow and understand the team.

[CRAZY HORSE EMLYN]

Had such a good feeling about today. That faded after about 5 minutes. We were a shambles.
There's not much to say beyond what was said on page 1 of this thread. 1st hour bad. Last 30 good.
I've been in a shocker of a mood all season, but at the end of this I was weirdly upbeat. Still am.
Why? Because one final loss doesn't dint the fact we're the most successful English club side.
And, more importantly, we have a future. Carroll proved today he is up to the task, and a few others –
whilst they didn't excel – gained huge experience. Look ahead, we have a spine of a great young side.
Downing isn't part of it, and I don't count Spearing in it necessarily, but we WILL come good. Sleep easy
red men, we'll be back.

[gloryhunter]

Kenny can be hanged for a few things this season, but the idea that Andy Carroll would have played with the same desire and determination had he started rather than coming on, chasing a final, 2 goals down is very harsh on KK. The midfield selection was a shocker.

[slaphead]

I'll be watching with interest to see where Liverpool go from here

As long as its not down the same road as Rangers 

[sonnyred]

Well, some players have been given a fair crack at the whip and a whole season to show if they have it or not, some do some don't. Bellamy had a great first half to the season but has faded quite badly and had an awful game, time to move him on. Other younger players have struggled, especially in the big games and maybe a different direction is needed in midfield. I do like the progress we are making, Chelsea's tactic was to hoof, ours was to be patient and pass out from the back. With the right players, our way is the way forward.

[Cochise]

Sorry to go off topic but does anyone reckon Enrique looks like the doctor from 'Escape from LA'?

[thereader]

Kenny can be hanged for a few things this season, but the idea that Andy Carroll would have played with the same desire and determination had he started rather than coming on, chasing a final, 2 goals down is very harsh on KK. The midfield selection was a shocker.

I was surprised at Bellamy's lack of influence if anything, whenever i've watched Liverpool and he's played I've felt you were much more threatening. 

[smicer07]

Think it'll take me a while to get over this one. Gutted.

[Twelfth Man]

Well mate,that's all well and good,but you need to learn a bit about the people and city I come from,and then you'll have a better understanding of why we don't support England and don't feel an English.Liverpool is the most celtic city in these island outside the celtic country's.

And it's got nothing to do with the inept FA

Sorry Alan.I didn't see you post until I had posted this.

+1.

[Get]

Sorry to go off topic but does anyone reckon Enrique looks like the doctor from 'Escape from LA'?

someone should ask him how he got so shit recently? it's a bit shocking going from one of the players of the season to shockingly bad

[-Q-]

I was surprised at Bellamy's lack of influence if anything, whenever i've watched Liverpool and he's played I've felt you were much more threatening.

He's been much more influential when coming on as a sub.

[adlad]

If we can consistently play as we did in the last 30mins today, we have a very formidable team indeed. Easier said than done of course, but the potential is there.

Carroll had his best game in a Liverpool shirt, and definitely has the potential to be a modern-day Toshack. He just needs to play like that every week, even away to Stoke on a wet Wednesday night, and not just on the big stage.

Obviously there were plenty of negatives too, but I think there is plenty of that already in this thread. Excited for next season already, as with a couple changes to the squad we can be great again.

[Il Capitano]

someone should ask him how he got so shit recently? it's a bit shocking going from one of the players of the season to shockingly bad

It was the fault of that one Anfield Wrap podcast. It's clearly got to him.

[killer-heels]

Very depressing. Team didn't play well at all and everybody struggled. We played better at the end but its too late to be trying to come back against quality opposition.

Not really know what else to say. Kenny will know what has and what hasn't gone well this season, who is good enough, who isn't etc. He isn't stupid. But now this is where we have to show some faith in the manager and allow him time to work over the summer and hopefully get a better league campaign next season.

[mtpeters]

someone should ask him how he got so shit recently? it's a bit shocking going from one of the players of the season to shockingly bad

Exhausted and burnt out a bit? I dunno...all I know now is that I shouldn't have worn my Jose Enrique kit today. 

[helmboy_nige]

Had such a good feeling about today. That faded after about 5 minutes. We were a shambles.
There's not much to say beyond what was said on page 1 of this thread. 1st hour bad. Last 30 good.
I've been in a shocker of a mood all season, but at the end of this I was weirdly upbeat. Still am.
Why? Because one final loss doesn't dint the fact we're the most successful English club side.
And, more importantly, we have a future. Carroll proved today he is up to the task, and a few others –
whilst they didn't excel – gained huge experience. Look ahead, we have a spine of a great young side.
Downing isn't part of it, and I don't count Spearing in it necessarily, but we WILL come good. Sleep easy
red men, we'll be back.

Well said.  I'm feeling surprising positive.  I think because I know that one final defeat doesn't define our future.  We have improved since Hodgson (despite what a load of the others on this board say).  Get Lucas back, add a couple of good providers, blood in the likes of Sterling etc and push the team to provide more first time crosses.  Give it time people.  There are reasons to be positive.