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Blackburn logo
FA Cup | Quarter-Finals
Apr 8, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Liverpool logo

0-1

FT(HT: 0-0)
Coutinho (70')

Player Ratings: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Liverpool

Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed as Liverpool booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Liverpool made it through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup this evening courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

The hosts hit the post through Ben Marshall at the start of the second half but fell behind when Philippe Coutinho drilled a low strike home after a one-two with Jordan Henderson.

Here, Sports Mole looks at who stood out as Liverpool set up a Wembley showdown with Aston Villa later this month.


Raheem Sterling of Liverpool holds off Adam Henley of Blackburn Rovers during the FA Cup Quarter Final Replay match between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool at Ewood Park on April 8, 2015© Getty Images

BLACKBURN

Goal

Simon Eastwood: Almost forced extra time in the most dramatic fashion late on when he tested Mignolet having come forward for a long throw. Made one or two good saves throughout, but could do nothing about Coutinho's winner. (7/10)

Defence

Adam Henley: Coped well with the threat of Sterling, using his own pace to nullify the winger on more than one occasion. Part of a good team defensive performance. (7/10)

Alex Baptiste: Was often in the right place at the right time to clear the danger as Liverpool probed for a way through. Forced off with 10 minutes left due to injury. (7/10)

Matt Kilgallon: Strong at the back and got the better of Sturridge for the most part. Liverpool were limited to long-range efforts for a lot of the match, and Kilgallon was a big reason why they struggled to get in behind. (7/10)

Martin Olsson: Made one bright run down the left to beat Johnson but otherwise failed to get forward as much as he might have liked. Had his hands full with Coutinho too. (6/10)

Midfield

Corry Evans: Forced to spend a long time chasing the ball around in midfield as Liverpool controlled possession, but never gave up and battled away in the middle of the park. (6/10)

Lee Williamson: Fortunate not to go into the book for persistent fouling, including one off-the-ball hand-off on Sterling. Did his job of breaking up attacks, though, and limited the likes of Allen and Lucas's influence. (6/10)

Craig Conway: Stole in on Sakho early on as the defender dwelt on the ball, but was denied with his subsequent shot. An otherwise quiet performance. (6/10)

Tom Cairney: Struggled to get involved in the match for long periods in terms of attacking intent, with Liverpool dominating possession and preventing the hosts from building up a head of steam. (6/10)

Ben Marshall: Denied from giving his side the lead early in the second half by a combination of Mignolet and the woodwork. (6/10)

Attack

Jordan Rhodes: Named as the lone striker and had a relatively thankless task until he was joined by Gestede. Put one header off target in the first half but that was about the sum of his chances. (5/10)

Substitutes

Rudy Gestede: Made a real difference with his aerial prowess and instilled panic in the Liverpool defence at first. The Reds soon adapted to him, however, and his influence waned in the closing stages. (7/10)

Tommy Spurr: Replaced Baptiste with 10 minutes remaining but not exactly the most likely candidate to pop up with a goal and turn things around. (6/10)


Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup quarter-final replay football match between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool at Ewood Park in Blackburn, north west England on April 8, 2015© Getty Images

LIVERPOOL

Goal

Simon Mignolet: Made two saves in a busy period at the start of the second half, including one fine stop to tip Marshall's header onto the post. Was commanding under the high ball too, producing a number of pressure-relieving punches, while also denying his opposite number right at the death. (8/10)

Defence

Glen Johnson: Got forward readily down the right flank as Liverpool reverted to four at the back, but rarely made the best use of the ball in the opposition half. (6/10)

Dejan Lovren: An increasingly rare start for the summer arrival due to suspensions but may have played himself up the pecking order with a solid performance and a clean sheet. (6/10)

Mamadou Sakho: Caught in possession in a very dangerous position early on, but atoned for his error by blocking the resulting shot. Forced off with a hamstring injury less than half an hour in. (5/10)

Alberto Moreno: Spent most of his time on the front foot but wasn't found lacking in defensive areas either. Adapted well to the switch to a back four. (6/10)

Midfield

Jordan Henderson: Back in the middle of the park and is a lot more effective there. Picked up the assist for the goal, playing the return ball in a lovely one-two with Coutinho. (7/10)

Lucas Leiva: Played his role of midfield destroyer well, preventing Blackburn from ever really putting Liverpool's defence under any sustained pressure. (6/10)

Joe Allen: Had a penalty appeal turned down following a bright break into the box and flashed an early volley wide of the target when he perhaps should have done better. (6/10)

Attack

Philippe Coutinho: The man of the match, despite this not being his greatest showing. Was quiet for long spells, but controlled the game when he was involved. Got the all-important goal too, combining well with Henderson and finishing with aplomb. (8/10)

Daniel Sturridge: Seemed to be lacking a touch of sharpness to his game as his control let him down on numerous occasions. Still looked threatening, but should have wrapped up the win when he clipped an effort over shortly after the opener. (5/10)

Raheem Sterling: Didn't get much change from Henley but posed a threat with his pace and trickery. Decision-making and finishing remain areas to improve, though. (7/10)

Substitutes

Kolo Toure: Replaced Sakho shortly before the half-hour mark and put in a solid showing at the back, making two particularly important interceptions late on. (6/10)

Rickie Lambert: Almost scored with his first touch as he headed wide having replaced Sturridge with five minutes remaining, but ultimately couldn't make an impact. (6/10)


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Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup quarter-final replay football match between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool at Ewood Park in Blackburn, north west England on April 8, 2015
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