Reaction: Liverpool 2 Manchester City 2 (3-2agg)

THE REDS MARCH ON TO WEMBLEY!!!

Who ever says that there no such thing as a trophy not worth winning needs to take a long hard look at themselves. The League Cup is often described as this and tonight Liverpool and Manchester City showed us that EVERY trophy matters!

Liverpool started brightly and it was only a terrific Hart save from an Enrique shot that kept the game level after 3 minutes. This set the tone of the game as Liverpool continued to dominate the game with Bellamy, Gerrard and Adam being particularly good.

For all our domination, possession and attacking play it was City that took the lead on 35 minutes. A hopeful ball forward found Silva who weaved is way through 4 Liverpool players to pass the ball square to De Jong who had time and space from at least 25 yards out to hit a bullet shot that curled past Reina and kissed the top right hand corner of the net. 1-0 City.

De Jong makes it 1-0 to City with a superb strike!

Liverpool heads didn't drop though and we continued to impose our game on City. With 4 minutes to go in the 1st half we had won a penalty when it was judged that Richards had hand balled in the box. At first i though it was stonewall, on second viewing i thought we were very lucky to have the penalty as it looked like the shot from Adam hit Richards foot before hitting his out stretched hand. A penalty was given and with the whole world of Liverpool fans behind him Stevie G stepped up and drilled the ball into the bottom left corner giving Hart no chance. 1-1!

Stevie Mr Reliable from the spot

Stevie and Co celebrate going level on the night

With half time looming we settled on the ball and saw it through to 1-1, 2-1 on aggregate. City had a penalty shout of their own turned down earlier on which i didn't think much of, but again after 2-3 looks at it i could see why it might of been given as Adam clattered the back of Dzeko's ankle. Referee's don't get 2-3 looks at it and no penalty was given

The second half was played in the same tone as the first. Lots of Liverpool ball, often out playing City in all areas. Bellamy was being a nuisance, Gerrard was bossing the midfield and Johnson/Enrique were getting wide to drill in crosses. Everything good about Liverpool's play was happening tonight. However for all our great play it was City who again showed how much it pays to be clinical in front of goal. A fantastic cross was drilled flat along the box at about the 7 yard line for an unmarked Dzeko to saunter in and score. 2 Goals from City from 2 shots. 2-1 with 30 minutes to play.

This seemed to have little effect on our reds as we continued to play as we were.  With that galvanizing attitude and passion to get into the final it wasn't long before we were level again on the night. An intricate passing move in the city box saw Bellamy find a little bit of space and with one quick touch and a calmly place shot he had beaten Joe Hart and sent us 3-2 ahead on aggregate. Bellamy had been sensational all game and to score what would be the winning goal is just reward for him, and a testament to how far passion, commitment and enthusiasm can go in professional football.

Bellamy celebrates sending pool level on the night, and ahead on aggregate

With 15 minutes left City finally looked beaten. They lack ideas, energy and that clinical touch that has served them so well so far this season. Liverpool were able to comfortably see out the game and book their tickets to the Carling Cup final!!

When the final whistle blew there was a simultaneous explosion of pure happiness and realization that We were heading to Wembley for the first time since 1996! Anfield erupted in joy which was a pleasure to see, WE ARE GOING TO WEMBLEY!! 

FTK MoM: Craig Bellamy

Craig again delivered an outstanding performance tonight. He was a constant threat to the city defenders especially Savic who ended up being subbed at half time. He lead from the front causing City problems where ever he went. His levels of commitment, passion and skill led the line for us and the players fed off that. Topped of with a goal that sends us to the final it was really icing on the cake. Well done Craig!




pics: liverpoolfc.tv, mcfc.co.uk, soccernet.com