CHELSEA suffered a THIRD consecutive FA Cup final loss when they were beaten by Liverpool on penalties.
The Blues had their fair share of chances, but Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount’s misses turned out to be pivotal in the shoot-out.
Thomas Tuchel’s side could have done with Inter Milan ace Ivan Perisic who has reportedly agreed terms with the West London outfit.
And he could be Romelu Lukaku’s replacement who has not been happy with his agents recent comments.
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Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
Klopp and Tuchel agree…
Managers Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel agreed Liverpool’s FA Cup final glory came down to ‘tiny margins’.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount missed penalties as the Reds repeated their Carabao Cup shootout joy over the same opponents, this time with a 6-5 success following a goalless 120 minutes.
And Liverpool boss Klopp ‘couldn’t be prouder’ after his ‘mentality monsters’ won an ‘incredible, tense’ final.
Counterpart Tuchel claimed he was sure Chelsea would win – ‘until the final minute’.
So it’s two down, two to go, in Liverpool’s Quadruple hunt.
And skipper Jordan Henderson believes today’s triumph shows ‘attitude, personalities and incredible talent’ are their driving force.
‘Sad’ Tuchel felt sure Chelsea would win
Thomas Tuchel claims he was sure Chelsea would win the FA Cup final – right up to Liverpool’s final shootout penalty.
The Blues boss praised his ‘excellent’ side for shutting out ‘maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world’ as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
And he revealed just how confident he was that they would come out on top – after Liverpool beat them the same way in February’s Carabao Cup final.
He told the Wembley press conference: “No regrets. I’m proud of the team.
“We were sure we could make life for Liverpool difficult – and we did again.
“We struggled in the first 15 minutes then we were excellent and played a goalless draw against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world.
“I was sure before the match and I was sure during the game we would win.
“I was sure momentum was on our side and I was sure until the very last minute and unfortunately I was not right.”
Mason’s lost all his six Wembley finals
Mason Mount missed a crucial penalty in Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, condemning himself to SIX consecutive Wembley final defeats.
The Blues academy product stepped up and missed his sudden death spot-kick in the penalty shootout, before Liverpool ace Konstantinos Tsimikas wrapped the game up.
It means the England and Chelsea ace has now lost SIX consecutive finals at Wembley in his professional career.
Mount’s bad luck at the national team’s stadium started back in 2019 during his loan spell at Derby.
The 23-year-old was playing under Frank Lampard at the time but lost to Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final. He then followed it up with back-to-back FA Cup defeats in 2020 and 2021.
Mount then suffered heartbreak with England, who were penalties away from their first major trophy since 1966, but they were toppled by Italy.
And this season, back-to-back losses to Liverpool on penalties in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup added more insult to injury for the Chelsea fan. Mount’s bad luck is leading to some fans believing the midfielder is “cursed”. One fan said on Twitter: “Mason Mount is really cursed at Wembley.”
Trolls target ‘bottle job’ Mason
Mason Mount has been branded a “bottle job” by brutal trolls online after his FA Cup final penalty miss, writes TOM SHEEN.
The Chelsea star played the full 120 minutes as his side battled with Liverpool under the Wembley arch.
Like in February’s League Cup final, the two sides couldn’t be separated – with neither able to score in two hours of play.
The match went to penalties, with Mount not stepping up until the Blues’ seventh spot kick – after forgotten man Ross Barkley.
Cesar Azpilicueta had already missed from 12 yards, only to be bailed out by Edouard Mendy’s save from Sadio Mane.
Mount wouldn’t be so lucky, with Kostas Tsimikas tucking away the following penalty to seal a 6-5 shoot-out win for the Reds.
Social media was subsequently full of trolls criticising Mount for failing to score. One wrote: “Mason Mount’s a bottle job pass it on.”
Another asked: “Mason Mount the biggest bottle job in football?”
Pointing out his record, one fan wrote: “Mason Mount is the biggest bottle job ever 6 finals now init?” Another pointed out: “When it’s Mount he’s cursed but when it’s Kane he’s a serial bottler.”
A kinder fan pointed out: “He’s rather a blessed one @masonmount_10. How many people get such finals to play. His time will come. Even Klopp has started winning trophies.”
Klopp hails his ‘outstanding mentality monsters’
Boss Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s nerves of steel as they completed a domestic shootout double over Chelsea.
Klopp told the BBC: “Outstanding, it was an incredible, intense game against Chelsea – they would have deserved it [the win] exactly the same way, like in the Carabao Cup – that’s how small the margins are.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my boys, the shift they put in, how hard they fought, early changes.
“All of these things, missing good chances, overcoming good moments from Chelsea, then having really good moments ourselves.
“Then in the penalty shootout, it was nerve-racking, my nails are gone but I really feel for Chelsea – for the second time, 120 minutes and you get nothing, that’s too hard. But for us I’m pretty happy.
“We are mentality monsters but there were mentality monsters in blue as well – it was one penalty.
“Chelsea played outstanding but in the end there must be one winner and that was us today.”
Blues lack killer Tuch
Chelsea suffered shootout heartbreak at the hands of Liverpool for the second time this season, writes JACK ROSSER.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are still on for a remarkable quadruple after both Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount failed from the spot at Wembley, handing the Reds a first FA Cup under the German.
Chelsea had to ride their luck at times – recovering after a terrible start in which Luis Diaz could have scored twice.
But they had plenty of chances themselves and were too wasteful when it really mattered.
American Christian Pulisic sent good chances agonisingly wide in either half while he should have played a better ball for Marcos Alonso in the first half.
Alonso was racing through but the pass forced him into a heavy touch, allowing Alisson to save.
Pulisic was Chelsea’s most dangerous player – but fell short when it mattered most.
Boss Thomas Tuchel must shoulder some blame too. With Liverpool leaving acres of space thanks to their high line, Pulisic had showed that pace could hurt them.
Despite that, Tuchel decided to keep a confident Timo Werner on the bench throughout, instead turning to Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to bolster the forward line.
It is desperately cruel to lose on penalties again, especially with one Chelsea legend, Azpilicueta, and another in the making, Mount, being the ones to let the Blues down.
Tuchel’s true task at Chelsea is to ensure they mix it with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table next season. After four draws from four games against Liverpool this season Chelsea will feel close to doing that. To make that next step, they need a killer touch at the crucial times.
READ THE FULL VERDICT HERE
Chelsea sub ratings
N’Golo Kante (for Kovacic, 66) – 7
Added plenty of energy and pace to the Chelsea midfield.
Covered well at the back and constantly looked to drive forward on the ball from deep.
Hakim Ziyech (for Lukaku, 85) – 6
Took a superb penalty but struggled to make a real impact during normal and extra time.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Pulisic, 106) – 6
Showed his versatility once more by coming on at centre-forward – though he was hooked after only 14 minutes on the pitch.
Cesar Azpilicueta (for Chalobah, 106) – 6
Added some experience to the back line to ensure Liverpool couldn’t find a late winner during extra time but clattered his penalty against the post.
Ross Barkley (for Loftus-Cheek, 120) – 7
Sent on to take a spot kick in his first appearance since January 8 and hammered it home past Alisson.
Subs not used: Kepa, Werner, Saul, Sarr
More ratings after Blues’ final agony
MASON MOUNT – 7
With tired legs all around him, the Cobham graduate never stopped running and working – desperately unlucky to be the one whose penalty cost Chelsea the Cup.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC – 6
The American was a constant danger throughout but proved very wasteful with a number of efforts sent narrowly wide.
ROMELU LUKAKU – 5
A frustrating afternoon with little service for the striker, but he offered far too little himself.
Sent his best chance, a first time effort under pressure from Virgil van Dijk, well over the bar.
More Chelsea ratings
JORGINHO – 6
Took a Salah shot straight to the face after just five minutes and gave good protection to the back line throughout.
Kept a cool head following the poor start and gave Chelsea some composure as they got back into the game.
MATEO KOVACIC – 7
Passed fit to play after his injury at Leeds. Dragged Chelsea back into the game after a terrible start and impressed before tiring and being replaced just after the hour mark.
MARCOS ALONSO – 8
Kept Salah quiet before the Egyptian was forced off and dovetailed superbly with Christian Pulisic going forwards.
Took a very composed penalty to get things going.
The Spaniard got in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold time and again and caused plenty of problems.
How Chelsea rated
Jack Rosser gives his verdict on the unlucky Blues after Liverpool won the FA Cup final 6-5 after a goalless draw at Wembley.
EDOUARD MENDY – 6
Made some important stops in normal time and saved Sadio Mane’s spot kick, but it wasn’t enough.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Drew the shortest of straws in having to deal with Diaz at full-pelt all afternoon.
Just about managed to hang in there and cleared an effort of his off the line inside the first ten minutes.
THIAGO SILVA – 6
Battled back from an early knock with a typically intelligent performance.
Kept Sadio Mane quiet for the most part and did his best to help Chalobah fend off Diaz.
ANTONIO RUDIGER – 7
How Chelsea will miss the German.
The most composed of the back three and ensured there was not much to be seen from either Salah or Diogo Jota down his side.
REECE JAMES – 7
Struggled early on but dropped in a dealt with Diaz well after the frantic start.
Got forward well after the break and delivered some wicked crosses for his teammates in the middle – though none could convert them.
Cool as ice over his penalty.
Bayern in for Chelsea and Utd ‘target’ Dembele
Bayern Munich reportedly added Ousmane Dembele to their list of summer transfer targets.
The France winger, 24, is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the star, including PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Blues were planning to go all-out to sign the winger in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern Munich.
According to Sky Sports, the German giants are very interested in signing Dembele and have already made contact with his representatives.
Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack.
Milner consoles Mount
James Milner showed his class as he consoled Mason Mount after he missed Chelsea’s final penalty in Liverpool’s FA Cup final shootout win.
Milner spent time to put his arm round Mount, who was on his knees, after Kostas Tsimikas stroked home Liverpool’s next kick to clinch a 6-5 triumph following a goalless draw.
Mason Mount shows the pain of his shootout missCredit: Getty Kostas Tsimikas rolls home the decisive shootout kickCredit: Getty Sub Kostas Tsimikas leads Liverpool’s victory celebrationsCredit: AP Deja Blues – Liverpool beat Chelsea in shootout AGAIN
The Blues suffered FA Cup shootout agony against Liverpool after the same fate in the Carabao Cup showpiece at Wembley.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount had penalties well saved by Alisson.
And overall the Reds merited their success.
Chelsea matched them for golden chances but the longest, strongest spells came from Jurgen Klopp’s Quadruple hunters.
Liverpool win shootout 6-5
Alisson brilliantly saved from Mason Mount’s spot-kick to the keeper’s left.
Liverpool sub Kostas Tsimikas then rolled in the winner – sending Mendy the wrong way.
Sudden death: Chelsea 5 Liverpool 5
Hakim Ziyech smashed a fierce penalty home to put Chelsea 5-4 up.
Diogo Jota tucked home a high spot-kick to level it up for Liverpool.
Sudden death penalties on
It’s level again! Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4
Jorginho sent Alisson the wrong way to make it 4-4 – leaving Sadio Mane with the final penalty of the regulation ten to win it for Liverpool.
But his low kick to Mendy’s right was too close to the keeper, who saved well.
After 8 kicks: Shootout score: Chelsea 3 Liverpool 4
Sub Ross Barkley smashed the Blues level at 3-3 but Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Mendy the wrong way to restore Liverpool’s advantage.
Shootout score: Chelsea 2 Liverpool 3
The Reds have netted all three of their kicks – Mendy getting fingertips to two of them.
Shoootut score: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 2
Azpilicueta hit the post with Chelsea’s second penalty – leaving Liverpool ahead after two kicks each.
Marcos Alonso scores the opening shootout penalty: 1-0.
Chelsea to shoot in front of their own fans
Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0: The penalty shootout is under way.
Follow the shootout blow by blow with our live blog HERE.
Penalty shootout needed again
Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0: It’s a repeat of the Carabao Cup final in needing a shootout to decide the FA Cup.
It’s amazing how it ended goalless, although extra time was quieter, both sides looking tired.
Follow the shootout blow by blow with our live blog HERE.
Liverpool hold slight edge
Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0: In the closing stages of extra time, Liverpool are pushing Chelsea back with plenty of possession.
Follow all the action with our live blog HERE.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
