Andy to the Rescue: Liverpool Through to FA Cup Final

Liverpool 2:1 Everton

Suarez (62'), Carroll (87'); Jelavic (24')

The name "Howard Webb" is enough to strike fear into the hearts of many a fan, however Liverpool had few complaints in their FA Cup semi final against an Everton side that has showed excellent form in the past few weeks.

Prior to kick-off, Wembley observed a minute of silence out of respect for the 96 Liverpool fans that lost their lives at Hillsbourough ahead of the 23rd anniversary on Sunday. Captains Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville touchingly presented flowers to the families of the 96 killed.

 

Brad Jones again took his place in front of the net, while Daniel Agger received his first start since the Carling Cup final after recovering from a rib injury.

Johnson and Carroll nearly gave Reds something to get excited about in the beginning minutes of another Merseyside derby, providing Spearing with a good chance, though the ball sailed just over the bar. Liverpool continued to attack early on, Skrtel rifling a shot straight into Howard's hands.

The 24' saw hesitation from Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher, Carra's late clearance deflecting off Cahill and falling nicely at the feet of Jelavic, who sent a shot beyond Jones' reach, putting Everton ahead.

The Reds were quick to respond, with Downing sending a ball just too far for Carroll to reach, and Neville being forced into blocking Suarez's cross to Gerrard. Even still, Everton went into the break with a one goal advantage.

Just two minutes into the second half saw Liverpool with a chance to equalize, Downing sending a cross towards the back post and Carroll heading the ball down and just wide of the goal. Liverpool continued to apply pressure, with Downing looking especially dangerous inside Everton's penalty box, causing the Blues to scramble to defend as Liverpool searched for an equalizer.

The Red's saving grace came in the 64th minute as Distin sent a messy pass back towards Howard before Suarez pounced, sending the ball beyond the American's grasp.

 

 

Liverpool continued to press, desperate to take the lead, Carroll sending a rocket of a ball beyond the post from inside the box. Again, Carroll found himself in the fray, misfiring amidst a flurry of footballers and confusion in front of goal. The third time was the charm for Andy Carroll, with Everton sub Coleman making a poor challenge on Stevie G. and Andy Carroll, back to goal, sent a header, a header not even his ponytail could mess up, into the back of the net, securing Liverpool's place in the FA Cup final.

Kenny's men will face Chelsea or Tottenham in May as they look for a domestic cup double.

Next Match:

Liverpool v West Brom. EPL. Sunday, April 22. 11:00 AM EST. 

written by Yasmien Mizyed