Double Domestic Joy: Liverpool Wins the FA Cup

 

Saturday 14th May 2022. A new date to add to Liverpool FC’s history books. Football fans all over the world tuned in to watch what turned out to be a fast-paced yet underwhelming 120 minutes of action as the team took on Chelsea in the long-awaited FA Cup Final. Wembley was packed to the brim with fans, footballing legends, commentators, journalists, and even a hint of blue blood as the President of the FA, Prince William, was in attendance.

 

The match began at 16:45 pm GMT+1. Players took the knee to show solidarity with the ongoing fight against racism just before kick-off, and Chelsea won the coin toss. Liverpool had the advantage in the first half, with many attempts on goal and the majority of possession, but Chelsea snuck back in during the second half and began to attack with more intensity.

 

Both sides saw some impressive near goals, but despite everyone’s best efforts, the scoreline remained 0-0 at 90 minutes. After some motivational team talks, the game recommenced for another two 15-minute halves in which both teams gave everything they had to try to score and avoid penalties, all to no avail. The match was eerily similar to the Carabao Cup Final that only occurred weeks before, same teams, same scoreline, same result.

 

The shootout was a tension-filled affair with Chelsea’s Azpilicueta failing to score the 2nd penalty, and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane missing the crucial 5th penalty, but it was Chelsea’s Mason Mount failing to score the 7th penalty that gave Liverpool renewed hope. ‘Greek Scouser’ Kostas Tsimikas stepped up and coolly put away his match-winning penalty, to the delight of fans around the world.

 

This is the first time Liverpool has won the FA Cup since 2006 and it is the second trophy they have won so far this season. The aforementioned Carabao Cup is also one that manager Jurgen Klopp had as yet failed to achieve in his time at the club until earlier this year. Klopp has now successfully won all trophies that an English football club can get in the 7 years he has been there.

 

Prince William did the honors by handing out medals to all players after the match. Chelsea took their 3rd silver medal in three years with grace despite it being a crushing blow to their FA Cup dreams. A jubilant Liverpool followed, receiving their gold medals with smiles, laughter, and a small amount of dancing before their captain Jordan Henderson did his infamous ‘Hendo Shuffle’ as he lifted the trophy to a burst of confetti and raucous cheers. He is the first Liverpool captain to lift six trophies all from different competitions.

 

The race is on to see if Liverpool can add to their trophy cabinet before the season ends, with the focus now on Manchester City in the Premier League and the upcoming Champion’s League final against Real Madrid. Can Liverpool get revenge for 2018’s Champion’s League final? Can they beat Manchester City and get a second league title? Only time will tell, but if anyone can, the mentality monster Reds can.