Five things we learned from today’s draw – can we win the FA Cup after this result…
Joe Allen and Mario Balotelli were among the surprise heroes as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to advance to the last eight of the FA Cup. Both players have endured plenty of criticism this season, but were both among the contenders for man of the match with excellent individual performances.
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However, it was Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana who scored the goals as the Reds came from behind to win, with Palace having taken a first-half lead through Frazier Campbell.
Here are five things we learned from this evening’s game:
5) We all need to stop criticising Joe Allen, he has plenty to offer
Joe Allen has had a good game! Not that it was overdue or anything… The Welshman was highly impressive against Palace and was arguably a contender for man of the match. There were more than a few raised eyebrows when Brendan Rodgers chose to include him alongside Jordan Henderson, rather than push Emre Can forward out of defence, but the former Swansea City man had a great afternoon. He controlled them tempo of the game, looked assured in possession and passed the ball well. More of the same please Joe!
4) Mario Balotelli can change a game, even if it’s from the bench
The Italian completed what has been by far and a way his best week in a Liverpool shirt, with his second successive game-changing performance from the substitutes bench. Balotelli was introduced at half-time, replacing Lazar Markovic, and made an immediate impact. His presence up front alongside Daniel Sturridge allowed our more creative players – particularly Philippe Coutinho – extra time and space on the ball – and we took full advantage. To cap it off, his powerful low free-kick was spilled by Speroni, leading to the winner for Adam Lallana.
3) We are capable of winning without several key players
Liverpool’s team tonight was without Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe – in other words, our captain, two of our best players this season, and arguably our best player from the last two games. Thankfully, we responded magnificently – really showing off our strength in depth. As we’ve already mentioned, the likes of Allen and Balotelli really stepped up, while the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Jordan Henderson became the leaders we craved on the pitch to help guide us to victory.
2) Liverpool CAN win the FA Cup this season
While Liverpool were beating Crystal Palace today – it was another afternoon of shocks elsewhere in the competition. Stoke City were thrashed by Blackburn Rovers, Derby County lost to Reading and West Ham United were stunned by West Bromwich Albion. Manchester United and Arsenal both have tough tests to come tomorrow, while Manchester City and Chelsea are both already out. There will be no better season that this for the Reds to go all the way, and how appropriate it would be with the final on Steven Gerrard’s birthday.
1) Alberto Moreno can’t dance… yet!
A light-hearted point to end – Alberto Moreno, you still have a bit to learn! The Spaniard tried his hand at ‘riding the wave’ during training earlier this week and, as promised, had another crack at it during the game at Selhurst Park, after Daniel Sturridge had powered us level with a brilliant volley. While the latter’s celebration matched the coolness of his finish, we have to admit that the full-back hasn’t quite mastered the technique just yet.
