Adam Lallana was the hero as
Liverpool banished their Selhurst Park
demons and booked a place in the quarter-
finals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over
Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers’ men suffered a
chastening 3-1 loss in south-east London
earlier this season and the hosts suggested
a repeat when Fraizer Campbell gave them
a 15th-minute lead.
But Liverpool had only lost twice in 21
games across all competitions since that
reverse last November and they brushed
off a frustrating first half when Daniel
Sturridge equalised with a fine volley
after 49 minutes.
And Lallana scored decisively when a free-
kick from substitute Mario Balotelli
shortly before the hour proved too hot for
Julian Speroni to handle, ensuring Palace
could not muster a repeat of their famous
semi-final triumph over the same
opponents 25 years ago.
Dwight Gayle came off the bench to score
twice in the dramatic 3-3 draw that dealt
a decisive blow to Liverpool’s Premier
League title bid last season and the
recalled forward was instrumental in the
game’s opening goal.
Martin Skrtel misjudged a punt forward
from Joe Ledley, allowing Gayle to head at
the on-rushing Simon Mignolet before
Campbell slotted home the rebound.
A brilliant 20th-minute save by Speroni
stopped Lallana – in for the cup-tied
Jordon Ibe – from bringing Liverpool level
when he smashed goalwards at the end of
an intricate passing move, while home
defender Scott Dann slid to block a drilled
Philippe Coutinho effort.
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