Andy Carroll’s late header fired Liverpool into the FA Cup final, beating Everton 2-1. Nikica Jelavić fired Everton into the lead, before Luis Suarez equalised and Carroll snatched a winner.
Liverpool will now play the winners of Tottenham and Chelsea, who will contest the second semi final.
A minute’s silence was held before kick off, as Wembley paid tribute to 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough, ahead of tomorrow’s 23rd anniversary.
There was also a tribute for the late Gary Ablett, who played for and won an FA Cup with both teams.
Kenny Dalglish made a host of changes to the team that beat Blackburn, Luis Suarez, Stuart Downing and Steven Gerrard all returned, while there was a starting place for Daniel Agger at left back. Maxi Rodriguez, who bagged a brace in mid-week was on the bench, along with Craig Bellamy.
The first chance of the match fell to Liverpool. Glen Johnson and Andy Carroll combined as Jay Spearing’s curled effort rose just over the bar.
At the opposite end, Leighton Baines’ free kick hit the roof of the net after Daniel Agger fouled Jelavić.
Martin Skrtel then recorded the first shot on target in the game; Andy Carroll knocked down Steven Gerrard’s cross towards the defender, but his effort fell straight into the clutches of Tim Howard.
However, it was Everton who took the lead in the 24th minute. A defensive error including Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger gifted Jelavić an opportunity through on goal, which the Croatian took and slotted past the helpless Brad Jones.
Liverpool replied instantly to try and draw level. Stewart Downing’s cross was inches away from the head of Andy Carroll, while Phil Neville had to make a last ditch block to deny Luis Suarez’ cross to Steven Gerrard.
The half time whistle blew and Everton entered the interval with a one-goal lead in an uneventful first period.
Liverpool could’ve equalised immediately after the restart when Downing stood up a cross on a back post, Andy Carroll met the delivery with a thumping header 5 yards from goal, but it was just wide of the target. Perhaps trying to get it on target would’ve been a better option than placing it intricately into the corner
Liverpool were on the up and a totally different side to the one that showed up in the first half. Stuart Downing again created panic within the Everton penalty area, as his low cross required frantic defending from the Blues.
But constant pressure soon paid off and Liverpool equalised. Sylvain Distin’s back pass was weak, allowing Luis Suarez to latch onto it and slot past Howard with the outside of his right boot.
Liverpool had started brightly in the second half and continued to attack Everton after their goal.
Andy Carroll created space for himself on the edge of the box, but dragged his effort just past the post. The number 9 desperately trying to make up for his glaring miss early in the second half.
The big man was involved within play minutes later, this time Luis Suarez blocked his scuffed effort on goal before it was scrambled away by the Everton defence.
Kenny Dalglish went in search of a winner, introducing Maxi Rodriguez and Craig Bellamy.
Bellamy almost made an instant impact, latching on to Andy Carroll’s flick on he sprinted clear of the defence, but Baines recovered and conceded a corner.
From the resulting corner Coleman fouled Steven Gerrard on the edge of the box in the 85th minute. Craig Bellamy whipped in a searching cross, which Andy Carroll glanced in rising above blue shirts. After his constant persistence in the second half the £35million man created a hero of himself celebrating with the Liverpool fans.
Maxi then had a chance to wrap up proceedings and save a tense finish, but his shot from Luis Suarez’ inviting pass across the face of goal struck the outside of the post.
Liverpool held on to march into their second cup final of the season.
After going a goal down Liverpool showed passion, character and desire to not only equalise, but also go on to snatch a late winner. Each man made himself count and together they overcame a deficit. Something we saw in the midweek win against Blackburn and previously in the draw to Aston Villa.
MOTM: Luis SuarezThe little Uruguayan was a constant pest to the Everton back line all game. If he was not shooting, he was creating and if he was not creating he was hustling defenders, which eventually lead to his goal. Andy Carroll was the perfect foil for the number 7, his presence created space for Suarez to apply his trade and run the back four ragged.
Sikander Najib
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