They didn’t make it easy for themselves – they seldom do – but Liverpool have reached Wembley for the second successive season, and this time, it’s for a final.
The Reds just didn’t look quite right mentally for 120 minutes on Tuesday night. It looked as though Saturday had taken its toll and a largely unchanged side had little left to give.
But when it mattered most, Liverpool showed bottle and class in the penalty shootout to overcome a tough Stoke City test.
Player ratings ahead.
Simon Mignolet - 8
Has his critics – me being the most vociferous of them all – but he came up with the goods in the shootout. Two crucial saves, the second of which was outstanding.
Jon Flanagan - 7
Several excellent examples of proper front foot defending for the first 60 minutes from the Scouse Cafu. Tired as the game went on and got a bit sloppy, but what do you expect from a chap who hadn’t kicked a ball for nearly two years.
Kolo Toure - 6
Solid enough. Doing his utmost to earn another year’s contract at Anfield.
Mamadou Sakho - 5
Couple of really important last-ditch challenges but his passing is worryingly off at the moment, and he often looks off-kilter when he receives the ball. Slow to react to the danger for Stoke’s goal.
Alberto Moreno - 4
Just do your job, fella. You know, defend and that.
Lucas Leiva - 7
Looks a complete natural at centre-half when he’s asked to slot in there, as he did when Toure went off. Slotted in a lovely pressure pen.
Emre Can - 5
Started bright and looked the most likely to make something happen, but he never really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck as it seemed as though he could.
Jordan Henderson - 5
Quiet night for the captain. No surprise he was the first to be withdrawn.
James Milner - 6
Probably Liverpool’s most busy player but never really showed the quality to match.
Adam Lallana - 6
Similar to Milner, good effort but no end product on the night.
Roberto Firmino - 6
Made some good runs and constantly showed for it. Just never quite happened for him.
SUB: Christian Benteke - 7
Did some terrific work when he came on, despite playing even deeper than he has been! The Belgian is actually a really good footballer; he’s just not the type of player I thought Liverpool were getting. Not sure yet whether that’s good or bad.
SUB: Joe Allen - 8
Match-winning assist in the first leg, and a cool-as-you-like penalty kick to confirm that the Reds will be marching to Wembley in February. Not even sure the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ does him justice anymore.