Liverpool 0 Stoke City 1 - 6-5 on pens (Jan 26 2016)

[tlw content]

 
You don’t win trophies for playing well, you do it by finding a way to win. Last year we outplayed Chelsea in both legs of the semifinal but we lost, so there’s no point getting too hung up about how we played against Stoke. We got through, that’s all that matters in this instance. If we win the final, this performance will be forgotten. 
 
Of course it would have been better if we’d won 2-0 and had a comfortable passage to Wembley, but it wouldn’t give us any more or less chance of winning the trophy. It also wouldn’t tell us anything about where we’re at as a team right now, because it changes week to week and it’s impossible to get any kind of feel for who we are.
 
We were a shambles at the back against Norwich and conceded four, but we were creative and clinical in attack and scored five. Against Stoke we were neither of those things. The defence played well, but we never looked like scoring. We’re just so Jeckyll and Hyde right now there’s no point drawing any conclusions from performances. We were shite against Stoke, we created virtually nothing but we were resilient, solid and showed balls to get through.
 
There’s not much to say about the game itself. Not much happened as both teams were poor in attack and good in defence. Neither keeper had a save to make and the only goal of the game shouldn’t have stood as it was well offside. I couldn’t believe that was given as it’s just not the kind of call that you can miss. Sometimes a linesman’s job is incredibly difficult as he may have a lot of bodies between him and the player, or it might be a defender pushing out to catch someone offside and it’s a split second judgement. 
 
This one though, there’s just no justification at all to get that wrong as Arnautovic was a yard ahead of everybody and he was all alone with no-one around him. I knew instantly it was offside and didn’t need to see a replay to confirm it. The linesman is right in line with it and it was just a horrendous mistake. He should be getting hammered for that but I feel like he got off lightly, mainly because everyone not connected to LFC was so desperate for Stoke to win. That also explains the baffling narrative of how well they played and how cruel the result was on them.
 

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[Red Sun Rising]

excellent stuff

[Dr. J]

 

We’re just so Jeckyll and Hyde right now there’s no point drawing any conclusions from performances.

 

This. Each and every game is a one off.

[Scottish Steve]

'Channelled his inner Pulis' - best line of the season that. Didi missed v Birmingham btw

[an tha]

So looks like if you are in the ACS or have been to at least 3 games in the league cup and have got 3 games on your card you are off to Wembley...

 

Liverpool Football Club will be receiving an allocation of 31,735 tickets for the forthcoming Capital One Cup final, to be played at Wembley on February 28, 2016.

Full selling details and dates of sale will be released shortly onwww.liverpoolfc.com; however, we can confirm the sale of tickets will be based on previous attendance during this season’s Capital One Cup competition.

Priority Rights Holders will receive an allocation of tickets.

Tickets will then be made available to season ticket holders, Official Members and fan card holders who have recorded on their customer record three or more Capital One Cup matches during season 2015-16.

Supporters who purchase during the above sales are guaranteed a ticket.

A ballot will then be held for season ticket holders, Members and fan card holders who have recorded on their customer record two Capital One Cup matches during season 2015-16.

Supporters will be required to register for the ballot and if a ballot is required after the registration period has ended, it will be run independently by the Electoral Reform Society. Once the ballot has taken place, supporters will be able to check if they have been successful by visiting www.liverpoolfc.com. Successful applicants will also be emailed to advise when tickets will be available to purchase.

Further sales may also be required subject to availability.

Fortunately I am in ACS so all being well will get a ticket.

[Josef Svejk]

I thought Stoke were the better side, to be honest. Even when we started dominating possession, their attacks looked more dangerous to me.

 

Glad to get through, obviously. But thought we were atrocious.

[dylstar]

Yeah Lucas reminded me of psycho Pearce after he took a pen for England vs Spain Euro 96 , fucking have some of that u losers !!!!!!

[Marcas]

Agree on the whole Allen point, he's easily been our best midfielder for a while - he's the only one who seems to remember he's playing in a shirt with a Liverbird on it and realises it's a good thing to pass the ball to a guy in the same shirt! Can take note - less time with the hair stylist and more on the practice field! And I know Hendo's been carrying an injury, but seriously, his passing and contribution were atrocious last night. Love to see Flanno back in the side regularly...

[Spy Bee]

That Lucas penalty, rebound volley and celebration was my favourite thing for ages. Is it true that he tried to shake Muniesa's hand as he walked to take his penalty?

 

If he was really shouting "Unlucckkkyyy!" It's just the kind of thing that dreams are made of!

[Spy Bee]

I didn't get onto them having choice of ends and first penalty. Very strange that.

[Spy Bee]

[sir roger]

I thought Lucas' vitriol was aimed towards the blurt in the Stoke shirt behind the goal who was jumping around as if he was Butland for each of our pennos

[DaveT]

Agree with all of that.There's just no excuse for the ineptitude of the officiating now, especially with straightforward incidents like the goal. The same useless linesman also missed a blatant handball by van Ginkel when he broke free.... he chests it, then knocks on on with his hand. It's just about visble on the t.v. replays, but I had a great view from my seat in the paddock and it was clear as day - the linesman should have had an equally good view.

As for the media...well, there's usually a (often pre-determined) narrative and they don't usually let the facts get in the way of it.

[grazywalker]

This. Each and every game is a one off.

I am not sure which Liverpool will turn up when the ball goes out and comes back into play. 

[SammyAftershave]

I thought Lucas' vitriol was aimed towards the blurt in the Stoke shirt behind the goal who was jumping around as if he was Butland for each of our pennos

 

Agreed.

[dave u]

'Channelled his inner Pulis' - best line of the season that. Didi missed v Birmingham btw

 

Didi's scouse though.