Summary

  • Use audio icon at the top of page for 5 live commentary

  • FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham - Szoboszlai stunner from range before Jones and Gakpo add to lead

  • Bowen pulls goal back for hammers before Salah fourth and Jones scores second

  • Liverpool will face Fulham & Middlesbrough play Chelsea in last four

  • Semi-final draw follows shortly after full-time

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  1. Postpublished at 23:00 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    That's all from us after a five-star display by Liverpool.

    See you later!

    .Image source, Getty Images
  2. 'West Ham will be up for it on Saturday'published at 22:58 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Harry Redknapp
    Former West Ham manager on Sky Sports

    West Ham fans love a game against Manchester United. They will be so up for it.

    When Manchester United come to town, everyone gets up for it.

  3. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:55 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Struggling to see what the West Ham fans are moaning about, apart from JWP and maybe Kurt Zouma, was that not their first team? Because I don't see much else on the bench. Meanwhile LFC started 7 who aren't names on the team sheet when everyone is fit. Hmm..

    Chris

  4. Semi-final drawpublished at 22:53 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    Middlesbrough v Chelsea

    Liverpool v Fulham

    The semi-final first legs will be played during week beginning 8 January, with the second legs taking place in week beginning 22 January.

  5. Postpublished at 22:50 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    Almost time for us to wrap things up but before we go, here's a reminder of the semi-final draw...

  6. 'We had to give some players a rest somewhere'published at 22:47 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    West Ham United

    West Ham boss David Moyes, speaking to Sky Sports: "Liverpool played very well. Obviously we didn’t play well enough. The second goal was a killer. I thought we were just beginning to grow a little bit back into the game. Not enough. But we gave them a really poor second goal which made it really hard for us to get back and get any further result.

    "We didn’t do particularly well in some areas for some of the goals, we could have done much better.

    "We beat Arsenal before we got to this game and we probably had the hardest draw of all, coming to Anfield. We made a few changes tonight to give people opportunities, chances to show what they can do, also because of the schedule. We were up against a really strong opponent tonight, tough place to come and that’s the way it proved.

    "We’re involved in a few trophies at the moment. We got to the quarter-final, we’ve got a European one we’re looking forward to. We’ve had some really good results in the league, especially at home. Tonight was disappointing but overall we played against a really strong team. They were fast, competitive, positive. We found it hard at the start of the game to get a foothold in it.

    "We’ve been in good form and that tells you how well Liverpool played today. But we had to give some players a rest somewhere."

  7. 'We never got a chance to breathe'published at 22:41 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    West Ham United

    West Ham manager David Moyes speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "That is the disappointing thing - we had a brilliant support up here but I have got to say we are playing against a top team tonight and whatever you say about us tonight, their performance was very good and they were fast and quick and all over us, right from the first minute. We never got a chance to breathe.

    On questions around resting regular starters: "You just can't play them every game. What the scheduling is like. I think only us and Liverpool and Man City and then we have had the shortest recovery period of all the teams in the Premier League. All of those things play their part. That's not an excuse, you've asked me the question and I've answered it. Also, I have got to give players a chance. We have been questions a bit about not rotating enough and we tried to give a few a game tonight and it's not because of them, it's because of how well Liverpool played.

    Did you think you were getting back in it when Bowen scored? "The worst part of the game was when we conceded the second goal. The most positive thing was that we went in at half-time 1-0 down. We kept ourselves in a cup tie and we gave away a bad second goal. We were just about to bring Paqueta on, who made a big difference when he came on the pitch as well and then we got the goal back at 3-1. It was going to need us to get a goal from a free-kick or something and we didn't have it and we gave away some poor goals. Credit to Liverpool, they played well tonight."

    On questions about West Ham's form: "We are just on the back of winning seven out of nine and drawn one of the other two."

  8. Jurgen Klopp on Fulhampublished at 22:39 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport at Anfield

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was in his post-match press conference when the semi-final draw was made.

    Here was his reaction.

    "Two spectacular games," he said.

    "Fulham are extremely well set-up. They were really unlucky against Newcastle. I am not sure I would have given the red card (for Raul Jimenez).

    "Really strong, really good team and they want to go to Wembley as well."

  9. 'A top performance from start to finish'published at 22:38 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Liverpool

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was really good game, a game to enjoy, plenty of top performances. We were tough to play tonight, we were sharp and spot on from the first second and played really good football.

    "In the first half they didn't have a shot on goal or a set piece, which was really important. I am really happy for the boys.

    "It’s important to use the squad, that’s what we want to do. The boys showed everyone on the pitch that they wanted to play the game and win the game and qualify for the semi-finals. A top performance from start to finish."

    On Curtis Jones: "I am really happy for him. He has this speed and tempo and doesn’t use it often enough, hopefully tonight is a like an eyeopener for him. Top game and looked really sharp throughout."

  10. Postpublished at 22:31 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    There we go then.

    The semi-final first legs will be played during week beginning 8 January, with the second legs taking place in week beginning 22 January.

  11. Liverpool v Fulhampublished at 22:30 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

  12. Middlesbrough v Chelseapublished at 22:30 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

  13. Postpublished at 22:29 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    The draw is getting under way now.

  14. 'We are back on track'published at 22:28 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Liverpool

    More from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about how good Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai were: "And Harvey Elliott and Jarrell Quansah and Joe Gomez - players that don't get the focus all the time. They did well. Dominik has these kind of finishes in his skillset and I hope Curtis took a real step forward. That is something he can add on. He can do it, we saw. He is not used to it so we will keep working, offensively and defensively. Trent comes on, then on the no.6 and Joe plays both full-back positions. We are lucky. "

    On the Arsenal game at the weekend: "We feel good after that game of course but we know we are going to play probably the strongest team in the Premier League, Arsenal. They are really physically strong. They didn't get worse with Declan [Rice] in the team, let me say it like that! Really strong and it will be a diffiult and different game and we have to make sure it is difficult for Arsenal as well. I am looking forward to it. Maybe Ryan [Gravenberch] will be back. Besides that, it is not a full squad that we have. But now going through these games, we are back on track."

  15. 'A really good performance from start to finish'published at 22:26 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Liverpool

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was understandably delighted with that result.

    Asked what he liked the most, he said: "The performance, the scoresheet, the result and the individual performances put together to make a team on the pitch.

    "We were brave in our positioning, our second ball game was exceptional. It was a really, really good performance from start to finish.

    "It is really tough for all of us, there's a lot of games and the boys played a lot of football already. It was a game both teams had to win, it will be the same on Saturday and all the time. It is how it is so really nice to have a nice like that.

    "The boys enjoyed it a lot, they worked hard but enjoyed it too with joyful football in moments. Nice to see."

    Jurgen KloppImage source, Getty Images
  16. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:24 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Amazingly shocking defensive selection by Moyes and a midfield with no creativity. Moyes has a lot to explain especially to those 5000 travelling fans.

    Colin

  17. Postpublished at 22:20 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    Right then, the semi-final draw is almost upon us.

  18. 'Elliot was just brilliant'published at 22:19 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Clinton Morrison
    Former Republic of Ireland striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

    He is just brilliant. He glides with the ball and I thought he was going to get Man of the Match, if he got a goal.

    It's great to see the youngsters coming through and having an impact.

  19. Postpublished at 22:14 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    After their interviews, Cody Gakpo presented Curtis Jones with the player of the match award and also gave a nice little presentation speech:

    "A quick word. You work really hard. Nobody sees it because it is behind closed doors, but you deserve all the best. Keep going brother!"

    Nice touch.

  20. 'I just want to play'published at 22:13 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2023

    FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

    Liverpool

    Curtis JonesImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool's Curtis Jones, speaking to Sky Sports: "I just want to play, whether it is the Carabao Cup, Europa League or Premier League, I just want to play.

    "I want to score goals and help the team. It is okay playing well but you need to score goals, I've scored two so a big smile on my face!

    "There is energy in the team. Mohamed Salah didn't start but came on and scored. Trent came on and assisted. It shows the quality of the team. It is an exciting season."