Bogdan Puts Reds Through To Next Round

Image via thisisanfield.com
Today's match report will be very short and factual I'm afraid as like many I didn't see the match last night only the penos live and then the highlights so I'll just be stating what actually happened as of course I can't really offer any of my usual opinions which is a shame because I like a good rant! Haha.

Liverpool had a massive 47 shots at goal on Wednesday evening with 16 on target. To convert just one of those efforts to me is diabolical but as I say, I didn't see the full game so I don't think it's fair to comment. From what I saw coming through on social media it appeared as though whilst efforts were aplenty they were all sort of snapshot chances and from range.

In the first half it fell to Danny Ings to put Liverpool in front. The forward who also scored in the league against Norwich got on the end of a cross from Adam Lallana and headed home Liverpool's first and only goal of the game before penalties.

Despite going ahead in the game the Reds didn't have time to celebrate for very long as just 12 minutes later Carlisle had found their equaliser. A quick break from the away side saw Asamoah eventually receive the ball in the box and slip his effort home. He was assisted by Hery.

The second half was pretty uneventful for both sides, whilst Liverpool once again created several chances they were unable to find the back of the net as Carlisle remained resilient.

In extra time, Bogdan kept his side in the game after another top save and the Reds created a ruckus shortly afterwards in the Carlisle box after a long range shot from Lallana fell to Origi. Brendan Rodgers' side however still couldn't find a winner and the game went to penalties.

Prior to the spot kicks Dejan Lovren suffered what appeared to be a very bad injury, I just hope it isn't as bad as it first seemed and wish him the best.

Milner stepped up for the first penalty for Liverpool and converted with ease. Carlisle's captain was up next but Bogdan made a save to put pressure on the visitors. A cheeky spot kick from Can followed and Dicker put his effort down the centre.

Lallana stepped up only to see his relatively poor penalty saved but luckily Bogdan once again stepped up to the plate and prevented Joyce from scoring. As Philippe Coutinho prepared to take his peno it had to be a given that he'd score but the Brazilian saw his effort saved.

Alex McQueen then stepped up to score and put things level but Danny Ings put the Reds in the driving seat as he also converted.

It was down to Bastien Hery whose hairstyle alone could have put the magical Bogdan off but his right footed shot was saved by the ex Bolton man and Liverpool had somehow scraped through to the next stage of the competition.

Whilst we didn't really deserve to get through and you have to say fair play to Carlisle, if you're looking for sympathy, you certainly aren't going to get it from me. I don't care how terrible we are and how ridiculous a fashion we manage to get through all I care about at the time being is that we are through.

You have to wonder what's in store for Brendan Rodgers next though as his side haven't won a game in 90 minutes since 17th August.

Next up for the Reds is Aston Villa at home, full match preview available on the blog tomorrow.

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