In a match that had plenty talking before a ball was kicked, Liverpool got the last laugh.
The Reds’ U23’s, led by Neil Critchley, won 1-0 against Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round replay of the FA Cup at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp caused controversy, giving his senior players their winter break, and many suggested Shrewsbury Town would advance. The League One outfit entered Merseyside as rare favourites in a match that featured Liverpool’s youngest ever starting XI.
The young Reds were more than up for the challenge, though. From the start, Liverpool got on the ball and dominated possession as Shrewsbury sat deep. The academy kids kept recycling and probed forward but were unwilling to take any major risks.
While they created some chances, they entered the break all square at 0-0.
As the scoreless second half wore on, the visitors gained a foothold. For a moment it looked like they would breakthrough, however, VAR overturned the away side’s effort.
Shaun Whalley pounced on a rebound and put it past Caoimhin Kelleher before Daniel Udoh was ruled offside and the goal was chalked off.
Liverpool struggled to finish some excellent sequences, and it looked as if extra-time would be needed. However, Shrewsbury defender Ro-Shaun Williams headed a Neco Williams cross over his goalkeeper for an own goal, which sent Anfield into a frenzy.
It was the only goal needed for the Reds to advance to the fifth round, where they will now face Chelsea.
Here are our ‘Four Findings’ from the match.
