Liverpool lift League Cup after roller coaster final

Liverpool won their first trophy in six years and lifted the League Cup for a record eighth time yesterday after their first appearance at the new Wembley saw them triumph on penalties over Malky Mackay's Cardiff City side.

The Bluebirds took the lead in an enjoyable and entertaining contest, before the imperious Martin Skrtel equalised and super sub Dirk Kuyt looked to have won it for the Reds in extra time. Not to be denied, Ben Turner salvaged a penalty shootout with a last gasp strike for the Championship side. An eventful and nerve-racking shootout was decided by Gerrard; not Steven but cousin Anthony, whose decisive spot kick rolled past Pepe Reina's post to hand Liverpool the Carling Cup in enthralling fashion.

Many expected manager Kenny Dalglish to start with boyhood Cardiff supporter Craig Bellamy, however instead he handed starting berths to Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez up front, while Henderson and Downing began on the wings and Gerrard partnered Adam in the centre of midfield.

The Reds were strong favourites heading into the contest thanks to their sensational run of away victories against Premier League opposition throughout the competition and the fact that they were facing a team from a division below, whose League form had dropped in the build up to this showpiece occasion. When Glen Johnson curled the ball onto the crossbar only two minutes in, Liverpool's status as favourites appeared to be legitimised.

However, after Cardiff's first sight of goal saw Kenny Miller shoot high and wide, the Scot's incisive pass played Joe Mason in to give the Welsh side the lead against the run of play. Miller's through ball beat the poorly positioned Agger and Enrique, allowing the 20-year old Republic of Ireland U21 international to slide the ball beyond the helpless Reina.

At that point, the Merseysiders had enjoyed 65% of possession and Andy Carroll had peppered Tom Heaton's goal with headers, clearly showing their dominance and the unexpected nature of Cardiff's opener.

Despite conceding, Liverpool remained on top and went on to create numerous chances during the first period. On the half hour mark, Jose Enrique hesitated before curling over with his weaker right foot, and then Adam's 25-yard strike shaved the post. Front pair Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll attempted a one-two in the box that would have given the latter a gilt-edged opportunity, however he was thwarted by a brilliant last-ditch challenge from Hudson, who was performing excellently alongside Ben Turner at the back for Cardiff.

For all their opponents' impressive defending, the Reds weren't helping themselves by misfiring when in sight of goal. Two further goalscoring chances were squandered before the break. First, Henderson embarrassingly failed to connect when Downing's wonderful cross put the ball on a plate for the under-performing former Sunderland star. Then, unmarked Dane Daniel Agger headed straight at the keeper from Gerrard's top-quality floated free kick, when had he placed the ball either side of Heaton the sides would have been heading it at the interval on level terms.

Following our first half dominance and considering the amount of chances we had wasted, I had a gut-wrenching feeling at half time that it just wasn't going to be our day. Cardiff were defending too well and the worry remained that the Reds would fail to find that crucial cutting edge once again this season. My fears were nearly confirmed soon after the break when Miller lashed inches wide.

However, after Craig Bellamy replaced Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel regained parity for the Premier League side. Carroll leaped highest to head Downing's right wing corner towards goal and Suarez was there to turn the ball agonisingly against the post. Fortunately, centre back Skrtel reacted swiftest and finished like a striker to equalise for the Reds and delight half of the 89,044 spectators inside a typically packed Wembley.

The tough, clean shaven Slovakian celebrated comically, shoving Adam out of they way as he ran back to his position, desperate to restart the game and begin the quest for a winner. That committed and focused never say die attitude has been evident in every one of the number 37's performances this season and was crucial in helping the Reds to secure success yesterday.

Surprisingly, Skrtel almost scored the second as well, volleying into the belly of goalkeeper Tom Heaton from Charlie Adam's corner on 74 minutes. Having already found the net on four occasions during the campaign, Skrtel is not only showing his skill at the back but also displaying his predatory ability at the other end, regularly chipping it with a helpful handful of goals.

However, three minutes before the end of the 90, Skrtel lost his defensive partner, as Daniel Agger was replaced by Jamie Carragher due to a suspected broken rib. With the prospect of extra time looming large, Cardiff striker Kenny Miller missed the best opportunity to win the game in normal time. Miller found himself in an ideal position in the penalty area after he'd evaded Adam’s attention and seemed destined to burst the net.

To the Reds' relief, he fired over the bar when he should have really clinched the winner. Carroll deserves credit for lunging in the direction of the shot and thus perhaps putting Miller off enough for him to miss the opportunity and keep Liverpool in the contest.

Extra time followed much the same pattern as the second half. Liverpool controlled possession and tested Heaton frequently yet Cardiff defended resolutely and frustrated their opponents. Suarez and Carroll both headed wide and the former also saw an effort cleared off the line, however the turning point came on 103 minutes when Dirk Kuyt replaced Andy Carroll.

The Dutch striker is renowned for scoring on big occasions and he didn't disappoint. Five minutes into the second half of extra time the number 18 surged past tired Cardiff defenders. His initial shot was terrible but fortunately the ball was cleared back to him and he struck an instinctive first time effort, which sneaked inside the post and into Heaton's net.

It was an absolutely fantastic finish from Kuyt and one that was worthy of winning any Cup final. Frustratingly, it didn't do so as Cardiff responded in the dying stages.

Corners were like buses for the Bluebirds. One hadn't come throughout the previous 120 minutes, however two arrived at the death. The first set piece led to a scramble and Kuyt heading off the line. At that point, Kuyt seemed destined to be the hero of the encounter. However, the second corner reached Ben Turner, who finished through the legs of Reina and then wheeled away in celebration, whipping his top off in the heat of the moment and earning himself a booking.

Mixed emotions were prevailing heading into the penalty shootout. Cardiff's miraculous, dare I say Istanbul-esque, recovery left me feeling that their name was already written on the Carling Cup. On the other hand, Liverpool's German-like efficiency from the penalty spot left a semblance of hope.

That was nearly extinguished after the Reds' first two penalties though. Gerrard's spot kick was a good effort that brought out a world-class stop from Heaton and hence there were few complaints that could be made. Adam's penalty, conversely, was shockingly awful and reportedly remained in orbit long after the post-match celebrations had died down.

Fortunately, Miller and Gestede hit the woodwork with their penalties and Kuyt, Downing, Johnson, Cowie and Whittingham converted theirs, leaving Anthony Gerrard under enormous pressure when he stood up to take the decisive kick. It was a poor penalty from Stevie's cousin that completely missed the target.

The ensuing celebrations from the Liverpool players, management and supporters were a delight to behold and, although Cardiff certainly played very well and played their part in making a fantastic Cup final that will increase the League Cup's prestige, the Reds merited their victory.

We had 39 shots to Cardiff's 11 and enjoyed 53% of possession, as well as earning nearly 20 corner kicks, displaying the amount of pressure we put the Welsh side under.

Liverpool always seem to do it the hard way in Cup finals and give their fans unforgettable roller coaster rides that unquestionably beat any amusement at Alton Towers. However that just makes them much more exciting than the usual dull fair served up in finals and makes victory all the sweeter.

YNWA