In a game characterised by defensive mistakes, Nikica Jelavic took advantage of some disastrous defending from Carragher and Agger to give the Toffees a first half lead. However, Suarez exploited an error from Distin to equalise for Dalglish's side, before Carroll netted a deserved winner with only three minutes left on the clock.
With the 23rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster only a day away, both teams united to remember the 96 before kick-off. Club captains Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville handed flowers to representatives of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and everyone inside of Wembley impeccably observed a minute’s silence. The life of the late Gary Ablett, who played for both Liverpool and Everton during a distinguished career, was also commemorated before play commenced.
The main team news of note saw Daniel Agger make his first start since the Carling Cup final, replacing Jose Enrique at left back and looking uncomfortable in an unfamiliar position throughout. Moreover, third choice keeper Brad Jones benefited from Reina and Doni's suspensions to start in goal while Gulasci occupied the bench after being rapidly recalled from a loan spell at Hull City.Liverpool began the brighter and almost exploited Everton's unnecessarily high defensive line to take the lead after only three minutes. Johnson played Carroll through and the tall number nine laid the ball back to Spearing, who failed to keep his head over the bar and thus saw his shot fly just over the cross bar. Carroll was also involved on the quarter of an hour mark, as he headed the ball back to Skrtel, whose bobbled shot was easily dealt with by Howard.
Moyes' men responded, though, as Baines' free kick went just over the bar and Jones comfortably caught Jelavic’s overhead kick, before the Croatian forward, who has been prolific for the Blues since joining in January, opened the scoring. Agger and Carragher were hesitant as the ball fell in the penalty area and they failed to communicate with each other. When the latter eventually attempted a clearance, the ball hit Cahill and he slipped over, leaving Jelavic free to finish calmly past Jones.
Although Jelavic was arguably marginally offside, it was absolutely suicidal defending from Carragher and Agger and they, rather than the linesman, should be blamed for conceding the opener.Before the break the only Red reaction came when Gerrard's 30-yard effort swerved wide of goal. After the interval, though, Andy Carroll missed a gilt-edged opportunity. Downing's excellent right wing cross reached the back post, where the 23-year old Geordie met the ball with his head. Unbelievably, he somehow contrived to miss the target from close range when it looked easier to score than miss.
The fact that he then buried his head in his shirt said it all.
On the hour mark, Carroll's striking partner Luis Suarez equalised for the Reds. A poor pass back from Distin put the Uruguayan clean through on goal and the number seven kept his cool to finish with the outside of his right boot beyond the helpless Howard.
Watching in the pub, which had radio commentary seven seconds ahead of the TV, was hilarious as "Suarez has equalised for Liverpool" was greeted with cheers while he was still running through on goal!With 15 minutes remaining, Maxi Rodriguez, who found the net twice last time out at Blackburn, replaced Jordan Henderson. He was involved soon after, flicking the ball on to Carroll, who stretched effort was weak and ineffectual. Moments before, his shot from the edge of the box had gone inches wide of the post, as his frustration in front of goal continued.
His labour soon bore fruit though. Soon after replacing Downing, Bellamy made a game-changing impact. The Welshman whipped an exquisite free kick into the danger area where Carroll, despite having his shirt pulled by Fellaini, rose highest to glance a header past Howard and into the net.
There was still time for Maxi Rodriguez to astonishingly hit the woodwork unmarked from yards out after Suarez had glided into space in the area and squared to the Argentine. The Reds played out injury time superbly, controlling possession and sensibly keeping the ball in the corner as much as possible. Everton failed to fight back and, in fact, rarely tested Brad Jones. On the balance of play, Liverpool were the better side and deserved to clinch victory and a place in the FA Cup final. Special praise should be reserved for Carroll and Suarez, who worked excellently in tandem and demonstrated that there is plenty of potential in their partnership.
For the third time this season, the Red side of Merseyside is celebrating after defeating the Blues in the derby. Now, Liverpool will be looking to redeem their season by winning the world's most famous domestic cup competition in May.
YNWA JFT96
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