Follow live coverage of the FA Cup final as Liverpool face Chelsea in what promises to be another Wembley classic. It has been less than three months since the sides last met in a cup final, as Liverpool prevailed on penalties to win the Carabao Cup and set in motion their quest for an unprecedented quadruple. It remains a possibility for Jurgen Klopp’s side, even if Manchester City are closing in on the Premier League title, but Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel will be out for revenge as they aim to win the competition for the ninth time.
Chelsea will also be desperate to avoid becoming the first team in FA Cup history to lose three consecutive finals, after they were beaten by Leicester and Arsenal in 2021 and 2020 respectively. Tuchel has guided the Blues to the final despite the uncertainty that was hanging over the club following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, and the era of Todd Boehly’s ownership now has the chance to start with a further trophy.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have not appeared in an FA Cup final since 2012, where they lost to Chelsea, and you have to go back to their Steven Gerrard-inspired win in 2006 for their last triumph in this competition. These are different times under Klopp, however, but as their bid for multiple titles this season approaches its climatic end, the stakes also become higher. Follow live coverage of Chelsea vs Liverpool in the 2022 FA Cup final, below:
FA Cup final: Chelsea vs Liverpool
-
EXTRA-TIME! Game goes to extra half-hour after goalless 90 minutes
-
84’ – POST! Diaz and Robertson both hit the post in quick succession for Liverpool (0-0)
-
33’ – Salah subbed off injured for Liverpool (0-0)
-
Delaney: Chelsea vs Liverpool has every ingredient to be an all-time Wembley classic
-
Evans: Chelsea vs Liverpool is a modern rivalry steeped in FA Cup history
Chelsea FC 5 – 6 Liverpool FC
Liverpool win the FA Cup 6-5 on penalties
19:43 , Michael Jones
The red flares have been set off and the celebrations are in full force. Jurgen Klopp jogs over to the Liverpool supporters and fist pumps the air in his usual manner.
Jordan Henderson is all smiles, Kostas Tsimikas looks delighted.
Liverpool win the FA Cup 6-5 on penalties
19:40 , Michael Jones
Agony.
Ecstasy.
Liverpool win the FA Cup 6-5 on penalties
19:38 , Michael Jones
This is Liverpool’s eighth triumph in the FA Cup and their first since 2006. It’s also the first FA Cup win for Jurgen Klopp who becomes the first German manager to lead his team to the trophy.
Penalties: Chelsea 5 – 5 Liverpool
19:37 , Michael Jones
It’s Liverpool again! They beat Chelsea for a second time in a penalty shootout at Wembley. Kostas Tsimikas is the hero for the Reds, netting his sudden death penalty after Alisson had kept out Mason Mount’s attempt.
Liverpool win the FA Cup and the quadruple dream goes on!
Penalties: Chelsea 5 – 6 Liverpool
19:35 , Michael Jones
Kostas Tsimikas scores! Liverpool win the FA Cup!
Penalties: Chelsea 5 – 5 Liverpool
19:35 , Michael Jones
Alisson saves it! Mason Mount goes low to the goalkeeper’s left but the Brazilian dives across and palms it away! That’s a massive save.
Penalties: Chelsea 5 – 5 Liverpool
19:34 , Michael Jones
He does! The pressure is back on Chelsea.
Penalties: Chelsea 5 – 4 Liverpool
19:33 , Michael Jones
A blue flare is thrown onto the pitch meaning Hakim Ziyech has to wait to take his penalty. It doesn’t bother him though as he fires his effort home.
Diogo Jota has to score now to keep it alive.
Penalties: Chelsea 4 – 4 Liverpool
19:31 , Michael Jones
Sadio Mane misses! Edouard Mendy leaps to his left and keeps it out! What drama!
Penalties: Chelsea 4 – 4 Liverpool
19:31 , Michael Jones
Jorginho is up last for Chelsea and he drills it home.
Sadio Mane can win the FA Cup for Liverpool, he just has to score!
Penalties: Chelsea 3 – 4 Liverpool
19:30 , Michael Jones
Trent Alexander-Arnold is up next for Liverpool. He calmly guides his effort into the bottom right hand corner as Mendy dives the wrong way.
Liverpool are one kick away from winning the trophy.
Penalties: Chelsea 3 – 3 Liverpool
19:29 , Michael Jones
No nonsense from Ross Barkley. He smokes his penalty into the back of the net!
Penalties: Chelsea 2 – 3 Liverpool
19:28 , Michael Jones
Roberto Firmino stutters in his run up but manages to swerve the spot kick wide of Mendy’s left hand!
Penalties: Chelsea 2 – 2 Liverpool
19:27 , Michael Jones
Reece James scored in the Carabao Cup final and he scores again here! He waits for Alisson to move and flicks it down the middle.
Penalties: Chelsea 1 – 2 Liverpool
19:26 , Michael Jones
Can Thiago Alcantara take advantage for Liverpool?
Yes he can! Calmly dinking it home off the inside of the left post.
Penalties: Chelsea 1 – 1 Liverpool
19:25 , Michael Jones
Missed! Cesar Azpilicueta goes for power and drills his penalty into the right hand post!
Penalties: Chelsea 1 – 1 Liverpool
19:25 , Michael Jones
James Milner is man to take Liverpool’s first effort. Edouard Mendy dives the correct way and gets a touch but Milner hits it hard and beats the goalkeeper!
Penalties: Chelsea 1 – 0 Liverpool
19:24 , Michael Jones
The Chelsea defender runs up and guides it calmly into the bottom left hand corner!
Penalties: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:23 , Michael Jones
Marcos Alonso is going to take the first penalty.
ET Full-time: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:19 , Michael Jones
120+1 mins: As was the case in the Carabao Cup final the match ends 0-0 after extra-time and the destination of the FA Cup will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Liverpool were victorious back in February winning the shootout 11-10. Who will triumph this time?
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:17 , Michael Jones
120 mins: Thomas Tuchel subs off Ruben Loftus-Cheek who only came on 15 minutes ago and Ross Barkley replaces him. Is this a tactical swap with penalties in mind?
Liverpool win a free kick that is flicked into the box by Alexander-Arnold. The ball hits Kante on the back and loops up into the arms of Mendy.
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:14 , Michael Jones
117 mins: Thiago Silva is down in front of Edouard Mendy with cramp and needs the goalkeeper’s help to loosen up. He’s still hobbling around out there as Ross Barkley gets ready to come on for the Blues.
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:12 , Michael Jones
114 mins: The tempo of the match was slowed right down as the players feel the impact of almost 115 minutes of play. The quality is lacking as well as the game devolves into a midfield tussle for possession.
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:08 , Michael Jones
111 mins: Andy Robertson is hobbling around now with what looks like a bit of cramp. Kostas Tsimikas has hurriedly got ready on the sidelines and he comes on to replace the left-back.
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:05 , Michael Jones
108 mins: James curls a cross into the box as Alexander-Arnold and Ziyech tussle on the edge of the area. There’s a hand across the chest of the forward but he theatrically throws himself to ground in the penalty area wanting a penalty. It’s a massive dive and the referee pays him no mind as Liverpool recover the ball.
ET Second half: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:03 , Michael Jones
Kick off: Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesar Azpilicueta are brought on by Thomas Tuchel with Trevoh Chalobah and Christian Pulisic the two men replaced.
Liverpool restart the game for the final time.
ET half-time: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
19:00 , Michael Jones
105 mins: No added minutes in the first half of extra-time and the teams take a breather. The Carabao Cup final ended 0-0 between these teams and had to be settled by a shootout. Is the FA Cup final going to be a repeat or will we see a winner in the next 15 minutes?
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:56 , Michael Jones
102 mins: Alonso swings a corner ball into the Liverpool box and Thiago Silva wins it in the air but guides his header over the crossbar.
There are a few tired legs out there now and this game looks ever likely to be settled by penalties.
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:52 , Michael Jones
99 mins: Luis Diaz has put in a performance that’s given Liverpool everything but a goal today. His day is done though as Roberto Firmino comes on to replace him. The Liverpool fans are in full voice for the new arrival. Can he have a match winning impact for the Reds?
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:49 , Michael Jones
96 mins: That’s risky and clumsy from Ibrahima Konate. Marcos Alonso curls a cross in from the left wing towards Hakim Ziyech who gets barged into by Konate. Ziyech flies to ground and wants a penalty but the referee waves for play to go on. Konate would have breathed a sigh of relief after that one.
ET Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:47 , Michael Jones
93 mins: Reece James shimmies his way through midfield and slides a pass in behind Jordan Henderson to send Christian Pulisic sprinting into space. He carries the ball into the box but is met by the covering Joel Matip who takes the ball off him with seeming ease. Good defending.
ET Kick off: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:43 , Michael Jones
Joel Matip is brought on to replace Virgil Van Dijk for Liverpool. This is Matip’s first appearance in the FA Cup this season. It’s all still to play for as extra time gets started.
Christian Pulisic kicks off for Chelsea.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:42 , Michael Jones
First time since 2007, and the first final at the new Wembley, for it to be 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Only the second this millennium.#stats
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 14, 2022
Full-time: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:38 , Michael Jones
90+3 mins: Perhaps inevitably given the previous results between Chelsea and Liverpool this season the FA Cup final is heading to extra-time.
Liverpool ending the second half looking the most likely team to score but they’ll have to dig in and come again. 30 more minutes to play.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:36 , Michael Jones
90 mins: That’s the chance! Luis Diaz wins an aerial ball and shifts in behind Trevoh Chalobah. Thiago Silva forces him into the left side of the box but he shimmies inside and curls a right-footed effort inches wide of the back post!
Three minutes of added time to play.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:33 , Michael Jones
88 mins: Alexander-Arnold’s free kick picks out Virgil van Dijk at the far post but the defender can’t control the ball under pressure and heads it out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:31 , Michael Jones
85 mins: Hakim Ziyech replaces Romelu Lukaku for Chelsea with just over five minutes of the 90 plus stoppage time to play.
Mount fouls Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool have a free kick in a dangerous area. High up the pitch on the right side.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:30 , Michael Jones
84 mins: Off the post! Jota finds Mane who puts the ball in the box for Diaz. He blasts one towards the near post, beats Mendy for pace and rattles his effort into the outside of the woodwork!
And again! James Milner curls one in from the right side this time and the ball drops for Robertson on the volley. He doesn’t catch it well and guides his chance onto the post too!
How have Liverpool not scored there?
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:27 , Michael Jones
81 mins: The free kick is floated in by Robertson but is professionally dealt with by Chelsea. They work the ball up the pitch and Thiago Silva flicks a pass over the top to find Marcos Alonso in the box. He squares it hoping to pick out Lukaku but the pass comes too close to Alisson who drops low and smothers the ball.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:24 , Michael Jones
78 mins: Liverpool defend the set piece and break brilliantly. Diogo Jota drives the ball through the middle and has options on both sides. Henderson is wide open on the right but he decides to go left towards Diaz and the pass is intercepted. Alexander-Arnold wins it back for the Reds and lays the ball off to Thiago who gets clattered by Reece James. James goes in the book and Liverpool are awarded a free kick.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:21 , Michael Jones
75 mins: 15 minutes to play before extra-time at Wembley. Mount gives the ball to Kante who guides it into the box for Pulisic. Pulisic takes over possession but Alexander-Arnold arrives on his blindside and pokes the ball behind for a Chelsea corner. Their first of the game.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:18 , Michael Jones
72 mins: Naby Keita gets replaced with James Milner for Liverpool. The Reds win a throw in high up the pitch as Antonio Rudiger nods Thiago’s cross field pass out of play.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:15 , Michael Jones
69 mins: Close! Reece James sets up Christian Pulisic for a shot from the edge of the box and he curls his chance achingly wide of the right hand post.
Liverpool then burst down to the other side of the pitch and give the ball to Luis Diaz. He cuts inside and guides an effort of his own just over the far top corner.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:11 , Michael Jones
66 mins: Save! Thiago flicks the ball over to Keita who chests it down into the right side of the box. He lets it bounce then rattles a shot at goal but Mendy drops low to his right and keeps it out.
Mateo Kovacic is taken off by Thomas Tuchel and is replaced with N’Golo Kante.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:09 , Michael Jones
63 mins: Robertson sees a cross headed behind by Alonso who gives Liverpool a corner. Thiago rolls it short to Alexander-Arnold whose cross from the opposite wing is too heavy to pick out a teammate.
After a rapid start to the second half from Chelsea, Liverpool are feeding their feet in this game again. Still no goals though and as time ticks on whoever scores first will have a huge advantage in this final.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:06 , Michael Jones
60 mins: Chance! Sadio Mane wins the ball from a Chelsea throw in and pokes it to Robertson before drifting inside and receiving it back. He gives it to Keita who threads the ball into the right side of the box where Jota brings it under control and drills a shot across goal and sends it narrowly wide of the back post!
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:02 , Michael Jones
57 mins: Reece James curls a cross in from the right wing and almost sets up Marcos Alonso by the far post but the Chelsea wingback can’t quite reach the ball.
Earlier Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a last minute block to stop another through ball reaching Christian Pulisic inside the six-yard box and Liverpool scrambled it away. Chelsea are hunting down the opening goal.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
18:00 , Michael Jones
54 mins: Marcos Alonso is having a decent game. He gets forward on the left and brings cross field pass under control but swinging an early ball into the box for Romelu Lukaku. The forward tries to get his head to the ball but Alisson is quickly off his line to pluck the ball out of the air.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:57 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Chance! Naby Keita is marshalled out of the Chelsea box with the ball and decides to pass it back to Trent Alexander-Arnold who swings a first time cross over to the back post. It flies over the head of Sadio Mane, passes Reece James and hits Andy Robertson in the chest before bouncing out of play. Robertson wasn’t expecting James to miss it and he puts his head in his hands over an opportunity missed.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:53 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Chance! What a start this is from Chelsea. Marcos Alonso fires a shot wide of goal before Christian Pulisic draws a low save out of Alisson. The Blues have started the second half in a blistering mood.
Reece James is taken out deep down the right wing and Chelsea win a free kick .
Off the woodwork! Marcos Alonso saunters over to take the set piece and curls his effort over Alisson before rattling it into the crossbar and seeing the ball bounce clear. Liverpool are rocking here.
Second half: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:51 , Michael Jones
Kick off: Liverpool get the match back underway. There hasn’t been any further changes from either team.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:47 , Michael Jones
With this match a repeat of the 2021-22 League Cup final, Liverpool are looking to win both of England’s domestic cups in the same season for the first time since 2000-01, whilst the last team to lose both finals in the same campaign were Middlesbrough in 1996-97.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:43 , Michael Jones
Mo Salah had to be taken off with just over half an hour played. How big of a blow will that be to Liverpool both in the second half of this final and for the Champions League final later in the month?
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:39 , Michael Jones
Diogo Jota had the chance to put Liverpool in front…
…but sent his effort over the crossbar.
Half-time: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:36 , Michael Jones
45+4 mins: Liverpool started as the brighter side but were denied by some early saves from Edouard Mendy. Chelsea fought back and Alisson was called into action to deny Marcos Alonso. Mo Salah tweaked something, probably his groin, and had to depart just after 30 minutes and Diogo Jota had the chance to send the Reds in front right at the end of the half.
As it stands though the teams head into the break on level terms.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:31 , Michael Jones
45 mins: Oh chance! Jordan Henderson sweeps the ball over to Thiago Alcantara who feeds it up to Andy Robertson making his way down the left wing. Robertson curls a cross into the box and perfectly picks out Diogo Jota who’s broken away from Mateo Kovacic. He meets the ball at the near post but can’t get on top of it and hits his volley over the crossbar!
Four minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:28 , Michael Jones
42 mins: Alexander-Arnold’s cross into the box is headed away by Chalobah who knocks the ball over to the far side of the box where Mount recovers it. He’s closed down by Robertson who wins Liverpool a throw in deep in Chelsea’s half.
Liverpool work the ball into the middle to Konate who fancies himself from range and blasts his shot high and wide.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:24 , Michael Jones
39 mins: Chelsea have slowly chipped away at Liverpool’s early dominance and are now seeing more possession and creating the better chances.
Sadio Mane is still playing through the middle for the Reds and he tries to win the ball off Jorginho but arrives late and gives away a free kick.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:20 , Michael Jones
36 mins: The ball is whipped over to Mason Mount from the left wing and he brings it under control before sliding Christian Pulisic into the box. Romelu Lukaku provides an option in the middle but Pulisic takes too long on the ball and when his pass does come Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate are back in position to keep it out.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:18 , Michael Jones
33 mins: This is a worrying sign for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. Mo Salah has gone down off the ball and seems to be in a bit of pain. After a talk with the medical staff he’s not going to continue. Diogo Jota comes on to replace him.
Huge blow for Liverpool.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:16 , Michael Jones
30 mins: Alonso’s follow through saw him collide with Alisson who took a knock to his right knee and needed a bit of treatment from the physios.
The Brazilian is fine to play on though and he rolls the ball over to Virgil van Dijk to get the match back underway.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:14 , Michael Jones
27 mins: Save! Another fine move from Chelsea almost makes it 1-0 to the Blues as Mount feeds the ball across to Pulisic. He puts on the brakes to collect the ball that’s a little behind him before threading it into the left side of the area for Marcos Alonso. Alonso’s first touch isn’t the best but he manages to fire a shot at goal that gets charged down by Alisson who throws his body in front of the ball and blocks it. Brave goalkeeping from the Liverpool goalkeeper who seems a little worse for wear after that one.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:09 , Michael Jones
24 mins: Close! Reece James gets forward on the right as a diagonal ball is sent over to him. Andy Robertson wins the initial ball but can’t gather it as it drops and Mason Mount nicks the ball from him. He gives it to James then makes a run into the right side of the box. James returns the ball and Mount pulls it back to Christian Pulisic whose shot from the centre of the area rolls wide of the back post! Lovely move from Chelsea.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:07 , Michael Jones
21 mins: Sadio Mane is given the ball on the halfway line and he squares it over to Andy Robertson who drives forward from the left back position. He’s helped out by Luis Diaz making a decent run off the ball and drawing away Trevoh Chalobah to open up space for Robertson to dart inside. He does and then lets fly with a shot from range but it’s a poor one and sails wide of the target.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:04 , Michael Jones
18 mins: Mateo Kovacic makes a run down the right side of the pitch and is taken out by a sliding tackle from Thiago Alcantara. The Liverpool midfielder avoids a booking but Chelsea have a free kick in a dangerous area. Marcos Alonso and Reece James stand over it but it’s Alonso who whips the ball into the penalty area and sends it straight into the hands of Alisson.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
17:00 , Michael Jones
15 mins: Another corner for Liverpool is curled into the middle of the box. Lukaku is there again to win the initial ball and his clearance goes out for a throw in. Liverpool take it quickly and switch the play over to the left side of the pitch where Reece James and Naby Keita tussle over possession and the ball rolls out of play. Keita touched it last so it’s a goal kick to Chelsea.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
16:58 , Michael Jones
12 mins: Thiago Silva stayed down after that attack clutching his leg. He’s helped off the pitch for some treatment and looks in a bit of pain but will continue for Chelsea. Malang Sarr has been sent out to warm-up though by Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea try to keep possession and work it over to Marcos Alonso on the left wing. He’s put under pressure and attempts to chip it over to Lukaku only for Virgil van Dijk to nip in front of the striker and win the header for the Reds.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
16:55 , Michael Jones
9 mins: Chance! Huge moment in the game. Liverpool are starting to impose themselves. Chelsea lose possession in midfield and the ball squirts out to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He threads a pass through the defence with the outside of his right foot and plays Luis Diaz into the box.
He’s got Mo Salah up there with him but decides to shoot himself and fires his effort into the chest of Edouard Mendy. The ball is scrambled out to the edge of the box but Thiago Silva where Naby Keita runs onto it and smokes an effort wide of the right hand post.
Great save from Mendy!
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
16:53 , Michael Jones
6 mins: Jorginho takes hit and needs a moment to recover as Liverpool win themselves a corner kick. Trent Alexander-Arnold swings it in from the right side but Romelu Lukaku nods it clear for the Blues.
Liverpool recover the loose ball and guide it up to Mo Salah. He attempts to run it into the box from the right but Jorginho is quickly across to tackle him for Chelsea.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
16:51 , Michael Jones
3 mins: It’s been a cagey start as both teams try to work each other out. Edouard Mendy floats the ball over to the right side of the pitch where Reece James works it up to Romelu Lukaku. He’s closed down by Ibrahima Konate who recovers the ball for Liverpool and ends the Chelsea attack.
The Reds dink the ball over the top to Luis Diaz who drives at Trevoh Chalobah and weaves his way into the box. He crosses it from the left and almost picks out the run from Thiago Alcantara but the midfielder can’t get a touch to turn it home.
Kick off: Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
16:46 , Michael Jones
Chelsea – dressed in the yellow kit – get the game underway with a long ball up the pitch. There’s a bit of headed interplay before the ball drops to Liverpool who try to quickly play Mo Salah in down the right only for the diagonal pass to skip out of play.
Chelsea 0 – 0 Liverpool
16:44 , Michael Jones
Chelsea vs Liverpool
16:40 , Michael Jones
The warm-ups are done and it’s almost time for kick off. Which way is this one going to go?
All three meetings between Chelsea and Liverpool have ended in draws this season with Liverpool winning the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout.
Are we heading for a similar scenario this afternoon?
Jurgen Klopp on winning trophies for Liverpool
16:35 , Michael Jones
Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp says his players need to enjoy playing in a ‘special game’ at Wembley but rues the schedule that will cut short any celebrations if the Reds were to win the trophy today. He said:
“It’s a busy season, but it will never happen that the FA Cup is just a normal game. It’s a special game and, for some, the biggest in their career. We want to enjoy it and deliver for our people.
“We couldn’t celebrate the Carabao Cup because we played three days later. If we win FA Cup it’s the same. We had a parade with Dortmund when we won the cup. It was big. Now we play Southampton instead of a possible parade.
“I’ve never won the FA Cup before and most of my players have never won it before. We are really looking forward to this opportunity.
“The boys worked their socks off to arrive here, with all the different challenges over the year.
“It’s now a massive final for us and I’m really happy we are part of it. We always gave our all to arrive to the final [previously], we just didn’t make it.”
The supporters arrive at Wembley
16:30 , Michael Jones
There is expected to be 90,000 fans arriving at Wembley to watch the FA Cup final live this afternoon with millions more watching the tv broadcasts.
It’s a stark contrast to the previous two editions when the 2019 final was played behind closed doors and the 2020 final had a limited capacity of 20,000 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuchel on starting Kovacic
16:25 , Michael Jones
Thomas Tuchel spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of kick off and explained his delight in choosing to start Mateo Kovacic in midfield today.
“It was nice [to pick Mateo Kovacic], I couldn’t believe it but he trained yesterday. He wants to play.” he said. “We take the risk and see if it works in the match.
“There was no need to change up top. Why break the rhythm? You don’t need to lift anyone for a cup final. We are close to the stadium, we see the arch every day.
“We want to win in yellow today.”
Warm-ups underway at Wembley
16:20 , Michael Jones
Chelsea vs Liverpool
16:15 , Michael Jones
Sadio Mane has six goals in 16 appearances against Chelsea, while Mohamed Salah has scored four in 14. How important will this two be for Liverpool’s chances today?
Mane on what winning the FA Cup would mean
16:10 , Michael Jones
Sadio Mane has been speaking about the determination in the Liverpool dressing room to win the FA Cup today and increase the Reds’ trophy haul to two for the season.
“We’ve been talking about it in the dressing room,” he said. “I’ve been asking the boys, ‘When was the last time Liverpool won it?’ I think it was a long time ago. Not only the players, I think all the fans around the world are very excited to win it again.
“Years ago, we won the Premier League, Champions League, so winning the FA Cup will be massive for us, for everyone at the club as well and the fans.
“Like I always say, a final is always special, especially in this season. We know already our target from the beginning is to do everything possible to win all the trophies possible.
“So we have a chance to make another step, so let’s see what’s going to happen because we know we’re going to face a very, very good side. Everything is possible, so we will see.”
Third time lucky for Chelsea?
16:05 , Michael Jones
Chelsea are the first side to reach three consecutive FA Cup finals since Arsenal between 2000-01 and 2002-03. They lost the previous two against Arsenal and Leicester City.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
16:00 , Michael Jones
This will be Liverpool’s 43rd Wembley appearance in total. They have won 21 and lost 15, scoring 55 goals, with Ian Rush (10) having scored the most.
Liverpool have not lost any of the 42 matches this season in which they have scored the first goal of the game – 38 wins and four draws.
Can the Reds go on to lift the FA Cup for the first time since 2006?
Who will win the FA Cup?
15:55 , Michael Jones
Liverpool handed huge boost ahead of the FA Cup final as new stats reveal Jurgen Klopp’s squad have a superior record in finals than Chelsea players.
Here we consider the record of all players likely to appear in this years FA Cup Final and how they have previously got on when playing in major cup finals for club and country in the past.
Looking deep into Football Final Statistics research via OLBG, players in Jurgen Klopp’s squad have an average final win percentage of 62%, while Chelsea is considerably lower at 52%.
However, when it comes to the managers that trend reverses as Jurgen Klopp’s winning record is only 36% compared to 56% for Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea vs Liverpool team changes
15:51 , Michael Jones
Thomas Tuchel makes just one change to the Chelsea team that started against Leeds in the Premier League last time out. Andreas Christensen is replaced in the back line with Thiago Silva.
Jurgen Klopp meanwhile makes five changes to the Liverpool starting XI that faced Aston Villa in their previous game. Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate come into the back line to replace Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas. In midfield Fabinho is out through injury and Curtis Jones drops to the bench as Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara slot in. Mo Salah also returns taking the place of Diogo Jota in the front three.
Chelsea vs Liverpool line-ups
15:45 , Michael Jones
Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Pulisic, Lukaku
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz
Wembley Atmosphere
15:40 , Jamie Braidwood
The atmosphere is building nicely at Wembley as the fans start to flock to the stadium.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
15:36 , Michael Jones
Since the turn of the millennium, Liverpool and Chelsea have met 68 times, with the Reds winning 24 matches, two fewer than the Blues’ 2 and there have ben 18 matches ending in a draw.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
15:31 , Michael Jones
From the players who appeared in the 2012 FA Cup final meeting between Chelsea and Liverpool only Jordan Henderson remains at either club.
Following on from this season’s Carabao Cup final, this will be the first FA Cup final to be contested between two managers from Germany with no German manager having ever won the competition.
This is also the first time since Arsenal vs Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 that both domestic cup finals in a season have been contested by the same two teams.
Will Liverpool come out on top once again or is it Chelsea’s turn to lift the silverware?
Werner on facing Liverpool at Wembley
15:26 , Michael Jones
Timo Werner started in the FA Cup final last year when Chelsea lost 1-0 to Leicester and came on in the second half of the Carabao Cup final back in February but despite scoring a penalty in the shootout Werner was on the losing end of another domestic cup final with the Blues.
He gets another opportunity to collect a trophy today as Chelsea take on Liverpool at Wembley in what Werner believes will be a ‘very good game’
“The FA Cup final is always a nice game and with the stadium in Wembley full, the two sides, Chelsea and Liverpool, the atmosphere will be very good,” he said.“I think against Leicester it was also a very good game, a lot of fun to play, but we were unlucky we didn’t win it. This time I think there will be much more atmosphere. We had this in the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup semi-final. We want to win this cup and the Chelsea fans will support us very good.
“Chelsea against Liverpool has always been very, very good games. A lot of fun for the people to watch and also very good for us players. This season we haven’t lost one game against them, we always played very good, and that gives us a lot of confidence to go into this game and say we want to win it.
“I think the reasons why the games have been good is they are open games, both teams want to win. No one is sitting deep and defending, both want to have the ball, both teams want to attack. Both teams have very fast players as well to attack the goal.“It was always up and down in those games this season and in the Carabao Cup final at the end, it was a shame that it was 0-0. I think it could be 3-3. So always good games and hopefully again this time.”
Liverpool vs Chelsea is a modern rivalry steeped in FA Cup history
15:20 , Michael Jones
There is always a sense of theatre around matches between Chelsea and Liverpool. The teams meet today at Wembley in the FA Cup final and if the match has anything like the drama of February’s EFL Cup final, it will be a classic.
Jurgen Klopp’s team emerged victorious three months ago after a humdinger of a 0-0 draw and a penalty shootout where the tension built to unbearable levels. For much of the past two decades there have been attempts to manufacture a rivalry between the clubs that goes beyond the natural levels of antagonism. This fixture has not needed an extra helping of friction. It has an edge that goes back way beyond the Jose Mourinho-Rafa Benitez period of the 2000s and some of the first shots were fired in the FA Cup.
Both clubs took a long time to make an impact on the world’s oldest knockout tournament. Their 1965 semi-final showdown had huge significance. One of the cliches used around the cup is that it gives a chance for “unfashionable teams” to capture the public imagination. In the mid-60s, Liverpool and Chelsea were the most fashionable sides in the game.
Liverpool vs Chelsea is a modern rivalry steeped in FA Cup history
Thomas Tuchel happy for Chelsea to be ‘the bad guys’ against Liverpool
15:14 , Michael Jones
Thomas Tuchel has branded Jurgen Klopp “the master of being the underdog” as he praised his compatriot for fostering a countrywide “sympathy” for Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola lit a fuse between his Manchester City side and Klopp’s Liverpool by claiming “everyone in this country” wants the Reds to pull off an unprecedented quadruple this season.
Liverpool could yet sweep the board of Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.
But Chelsea can thwart Liverpool’s bid to break new ground in English football by beating Klopp’s men in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Thomas Tuchel happy for Chelsea to be ‘the bad guys’ against Liverpool
‘Liverpool’s season has surpassed my wildest dreams’ says Ibrahima Konate
15:07 , Michael Jones
Ibrahima Konate has admitted he could not have dreamt of being part of the extraordinary and historic season Liverpool are enjoying.
The defender, who signed from RB Leipzig last summer, is set to mark his first year at Anfield with an appearance in the FA Cup final as Liverpool continue their quest for the quadruple.
Konate has already played at Wembley twice, converting his penalty in the Carabao Cup final shootout win over Chelsea and opening the scoring in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has also played in every minute of the Champions League quarter- and semi-finals, scoring in each leg against Benfica in the last eight.
And he said: “Never at any moment in my life could I have imagined this. I knew I was joining a very big club, a club that has set out to win things, titles and trophies. But this season has been exceptional, a historic one for the club and it’s hard to put into words. It’s super exciting to be a part of.”
Ibrahima Konate: Liverpool’s season has surpassed my wildest dreams
Liverpool and the FA Cup
15:00 , Michael Jones
Liverpool have lifted the FA Cup seven times, the last coming in 2006, while they last appeared in the final in 2012 – losing 2-1 to Chelsea.
This will be the Reds’ 15th FA Cup final and of the previous 14, eight have been goalless at half-time. They have also won three of their four finals that have gone to extra-time, losing only to Arsenal in 1971.
Liverpool are aiming to become only the fifth team ever to win the FA Cup and League Cup in the same season – the others being Arsenal (1993), Liverpool (2001), Chelsea (2007) and Manchester City (2019).
Chelsea’s big weekend
14:54 , Michael Jones
Chelsea could have a history making weekend as, for the first time, the men’s and women’s FA Cup finals will be played across the same weekend, with Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea taking on Liverpool today before Emma Hayes’ Blues face Manchester City in the Women’s final tomorrow.
In the women’s game the holders and three-time winners, Chelsea, are going for the double, having aleady lifted the Women’s Super League title last Sunday whilst their opponents, Manchester City, are also aiming for their fourth FA Cup triumph and second piece of silverware this year after beating Chelsea 3-1 in the Continental League Cup in March.
The last five FA Cup finals have been won by either Chelsea or City, but this will be the first time the teams have met in the final which will be shown live on BBC One on Sunday.
‘You could write books about Liverpool squad’s resilience’ says Jurgen Klopp
14:48 , Michael Jones
The quest for the quadruple has taken its toll on Liverpool. Not, perhaps, on their players. “You could write books on the resilience of these boys,” reflected Jurgen Klopp, talking about Tuesday’s comeback at Aston Villa. But fatigue caught up with him.
“I had two afternoon naps yesterday,” he exclaimed. “Two. It worked well. I feel really good.” Re-energised, reacquainted with his beaming grin and booming laugh, Klopp heads to Wembley, looking to the FA Cup to provide a second trophy of the season and perhaps a first of three in May.
“I don’t run, I don’t fight,” he rationalised. “I have different kinds of challenges. It’s tough, but it’s fine. It has never been done before [the quadruple] so it’s like the first step in whichever island.”
Liverpool may be alone in achievement. But if not, it won’t be failure. Klopp is urging everyone else to savour the moments. “When I say, ‘enjoy the journey’ I mean it,” he explained. “We only cause ourselves problems as human beings. ‘Don’t come home without a quadruple’, for example: you will never be happy. If that is the only way to satisfy you that is really difficult.”
Jurgen Klopp: ‘You could write books about Liverpool players’ resilience’
‘Ups and downs’: Christian Pulisic on FA Cup final redemption and his Chelsea future
14:42 , Michael Jones
As a player who himself offers such sharp turns, Christian Pulisic finds it’s better to follow his instincts than overthink them. This has, after all, been a season that could have gone in so many different directions at so many defining moments. Chelsea could have been champions, and certainly should have been title contenders. It could have been Pulisic’s year, and the player’s father feels he should have played much more.
At the same time, Chelsea could well have gone out of business. There’s an element of symmetry about the fact that the club now look to have new owners before a domestic cup final against Liverpool, when the build-up to their last domestic cup final against Liverpool saw the first questions about Roman Abramovich’s future raised in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
That Carabao Cup final was itself a game that summed up much of this. Chelsea were the equal of a team that may now be the best in Europe, and could have secured another trophy had a shot off the post, marginal offside call or shootout penalty gone a different way.
‘Ups and downs’: Christian Pulisic on FA Cup redemption and his Chelsea future
Liverpool must add more silverware to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with club’s all-time greats
14:36 , Michael Jones
No one who has watched Liverpool’s development under Jurgen Klopp can deny the greatness of his team. This side is one of the most complete in the club’s history. They could still finish with a clean sweep of trophies. They could also end up with just the one they already have in the bag.
Liverpool have a chance to seal the second leg of the quadruple when they face Chelsea at Wembley today in the FA Cup final. This is a rematch of February’s EFL Cup final, which ended in an epic penalty shootout when all 11 Liverpool players who were on the pitch at the final whistle scored from the spot. Klopp’s side showed that they know how to get over the line in tight situations.
They need to show the same resilience over the next two weeks. The margins were tight against Chelsea three months ago. Thomas Tuchel’s team had the better chances in the 0-0 draw and Romelu Lukaku had a goal disallowed for the most ludicrously tight VAR decision. Wembley will present a real test.
Klopp’s team must add more silverware to stand among Liverpool’s all-time greats
Tuchel on how to beat Liverpool
14:30 , Michael Jones
Chelsea have matched Liverpool this season with three draws – two in the Premier and one in the Carabao Cup final which they lost in a penalty shoot-out.
Boss Thomas Tuchel has been asked how his team can go one step further and beat the Reds to which he replied: “They allow chances, and we proved it,
“We had big chances in the Carabao Cup final but it’s their approach [playing with a high defensive line]. Liverpool is the team that by far the most puts the strikers of the other team offside, so it’s not easy.
“They play this high line because there’s always pressure on the ball, them working hard and counter-pressing and pressing. It’s not easy to exploit these spaces because you need perfect timing, you need the connection between the guy with the pass and the guy who receives it, and then you have to be precise and you’re constantly under pressure.
“So that’s why they do it and they have a point, with the the amount of success they have with it. It’s their style of playing and it’s very difficult to find solutions but like always, you can find solutions if you have the perfect day – and we’re hoping for that.”
Henderson on verge of Liverpool milestone
14:23 , Michael Jones
Jordan Henderson will become the first Liverpool captain to lift six different trophies if the Reds are victorious in this afternoon’s FA Cup final.
Liverpool earned a penalty shootout win against the Chelsea back in February as Henderson went on to lift the Carabao Cup and are looking to claim their second piece of silverware of the campaign.
If they do, Henderson will make club history by securing his sixth different trophy as skipper having already lifted the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Four major finals in one year and 108 days
14:17 , Michael Jones
Thomas Tuchel has been in charge of Chelsea for just one year and 108 days since taking over from Frank Lampard in January 2021. Today, he is preparing to take charge of his fourth major final at the club.
Last season his side were beaten 1-0 by Leicester City in the FA Cup final but two weeks later the Blues were crowned champions of Europe after a 1-0 victory of their own against Manchester City in the final of the Champions League.
Tuchel’s men have already added the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup to the trophy cabinet this season but the defeat to Liverpool on penalties in the Carabao Cup final stung and Tuchel is hoping his players will use the pain of that defeat to motivate them on Saturday.
“We want to get them back, simple as that,” said Blues midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Tuchel himself added: “It will be another hard fight, given the quality and run of form of Liverpool, but this is what a cup final is all about.”
‘Wembley is a great stadium’ says Klopp
14:11 , Michael Jones
Speaking ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp explained the feeling of taking charge of Liverpool at Wembley and addressed the rumour that he doesn’t respect domestic cup competitions.
“I said it after the Carabao Cup final, it was no different to the Champions League final three years ago. No difference.” he said. “It was blue and red, bam, both went for each other, so easy to see where we were and the others. Massive atmosphere, really, and I expect exactly the same again.
“It’s outstanding. Wembley is a great stadium. It would be nice if it could be a bit closer to Liverpool, to be honest, because it’s always a proper trip, but that’s the only negative thing I can say about it.
“People always said I’m not the biggest fan of the domestic cup competitions – that’s not true, it just never happened. Now this year it happened the second time. I honestly can’t wait to feel the atmosphere again.
“Let’s give it a go against an incredibly good opponent, unfortunately – but that’s the nature of the thing that in the final you barely meet teams that cannot play football.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website