Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
- Published
Crystal Palace take an early lead through Fraizer Campbell
Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana goals win it for the Reds
Liverpool last won the FA Cup in 2005-06
Quarter-final draw takes place on Monday night
Seven-time winners Liverpool came from behind to beat Crystal Palace and move into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Fraizer Campbell put the Eagles ahead when he followed up to finish after Dwight Gayle's header had been parried by Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
But Daniel Sturridge equalised with an excellent left-footed volley from Jordan Henderson's chipped pass.
Adam Lallana scored the winner with a close-range follow-up after Mario Balotelli's low free-kick was blocked.
It was a fine recovery from Brendan Rodgers's side, who are seventh in the Premier League and the third highest-ranked team left in the competition.
Match of the Day pundit Kevin Kilbane |
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"It was a real test of Simon Mignolet's character and he may not have been in the side if Brad Jones was fit. His performance was dominant. Outstanding. |
"Jordan Henderson captained the side and it was an all-round performance from him. It was wonderful, he has the energy to press and a brilliant ball for Daniel Sturridge's goal." |
With Chelsea, Manchester City, Southampton and Tottenham all eliminated, this tournament represents Liverpool's best chance of winning a trophy in a disappointing season.
The Reds, who last won the FA Cup in 2006, scored twice in the last four minutes to beat Championship side Bolton 2-1 in a fourth-round replay and they suffered another scare as they went behind after 15 minutes at Selhurst Park.
Gayle pounced on Martin Skrtel's poor clearance and headed at goal with Mignolet only able to palm the ball into Campbell's path and the striker finished into an empty net.
The hosts had to soak up a lot of pressure with keeper Julian Speroni saving efforts from Lallana and Philippe Coutinho while Joe Allen shot narrowly off target.
Liverpool's recovery |
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Liverpool have only lost twice in 22 matches in all competitions since they were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace in the Premier League on 23 November. |
Palace had enjoyed a fine recent resurgence under manager Alan Pardew since he took charge in January with five wins in their previous seven matches.
But the 53-year-old, who scored the winner for the Eagles in an FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool in 1990, was left rueing his side's inability to double their lead as Gayle's low shot was well blocked by Mignolet at the end of the first half.
That save proved crucial as Sturridge equalised four minutes into the second half with a fine finish after an intelligent, lofted ball over the home defence from Henderson.
The visitors then took the lead as Balotelli, a half-time substitute, fired in a low free-kick from just outside the penalty area that Speroni could not hold on to and Lallana pounced on the rebound.
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