Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is desperate to lead his side to glory in the FA Cup after inspiring them to victory over a spirited AFC Wimbledon.
Video: YouTube user BeanymanSports
The Reds battled into the fourth round of the oldest club cup competition following a 2-1 victory at Kingsmeadow, where their imperious captain scored twice and produced an all-round fantastic performance.
It was the first time the 34-year-old had taken to the field following his announcement last week that he would end his association with the club at the end of the season.
And Gerrard is desperate to bow out on a high note.
"I always enjoy the FA Cup," he said on BBC One. "I grew up loving the competition and as it's going to be my last time, I want to make the most of it and try and go all the way.
"If I weren't here playing for this team, I'd probably be in the stands watching it so I know what (the FA Cup) means to every single supporter, that's why I always try to give my best.
"We've got to take each game as it comes. I'm told we've got Bolton at home in the next round and that'll be another difficult test.
"I know Neil Lennon quite well and I know he'll set up his team to be very difficult to beat.
"We take each game as it comes but of course, (winning the cup is) what dreams are made of and hopefully that'll be the case."
Liverpool were given a stern test by the League Two strugglers, with burly striker Adebayo Akinfenwa cancelling out Gerrard's opener to send the teams in level at half-time.
While the visitors were worthy winners, they survived a couple of close scares after Gerrard's superb free-kick had put them back in front.
The former England midfielder paid tribute to the Dons, adding: "We expected (a tough encounter), it's the beauty of the FA Cup. It doesn't matter where you are in what league or how you're doing, form seems to go out and the window and it becomes a leveller.
"Fair play to them, I think their manager can be very proud of them, they were honest throughout the team and gave us a real test."
PA
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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is desperate to lead his side to glory in the FA Cup after inspiring them to victory over a spirited AFC Wimbledon.
Video: YouTube user BeanymanSports
The Reds battled into the fourth round of the oldest club cup competition following a 2-1 victory at Kingsmeadow, where their imperious captain scored twice and produced an all-round fantastic performance.
It was the first time the 34-year-old had taken to the field following his announcement last week that he would end his association with the club at the end of the season.
And Gerrard is desperate to bow out on a high note.
"I always enjoy the FA Cup," he said on BBC One. "I grew up loving the competition and as it's going to be my last time, I want to make the most of it and try and go all the way.
"If I weren't here playing for this team, I'd probably be in the stands watching it so I know what (the FA Cup) means to every single supporter, that's why I always try to give my best.
"We've got to take each game as it comes. I'm told we've got Bolton at home in the next round and that'll be another difficult test.
"I know Neil Lennon quite well and I know he'll set up his team to be very difficult to beat.
"We take each game as it comes but of course, (winning the cup is) what dreams are made of and hopefully that'll be the case."
Liverpool were given a stern test by the League Two strugglers, with burly striker Adebayo Akinfenwa cancelling out Gerrard's opener to send the teams in level at half-time.
While the visitors were worthy winners, they survived a couple of close scares after Gerrard's superb free-kick had put them back in front.
The former England midfielder paid tribute to the Dons, adding: "We expected (a tough encounter), it's the beauty of the FA Cup. It doesn't matter where you are in what league or how you're doing, form seems to go out and the window and it becomes a leveller.
"Fair play to them, I think their manager can be very proud of them, they were honest throughout the team and gave us a real test."
PA
.
Steven Gerrard marked his first game since confirming he will leave Anfield this summer with both goals in Liverpool's 2-1 victory at AFC Wimbledon.
Here, we examine the Liverpool captain's pivotal role in the Merseyside club's third-round FA Cup win.
Leadership
The 34-year-old captain finished what he started by heading the first goal, then dispatching the free-kick that secured Liverpool's safe passage to the fourth round.
As so often in times past, when Liverpool craved a decisive hand, it was Gerrard who delivered.
Gerrard seized control of the tie by heading the visitors into the lead, later popping up to defuse tension built up by Wimbledon with the peerless winning set-piece strike.
The midfielder also cleared Adam Barrett's header off the line with the scores locked at 1-1 as Wimbledon started the second half in the ascendancy.
Creativity
Gerrard assumed the most attacking role in Liverpool's midfield as boss Brendan Rodgers lent on his skipper's experience at Kingsmeadow.
The former England captain handed his side the perfect opening with the game's first goal, but was unable to maintain that stranglehold.
Liverpool and Gerrard were unable to link midfield with front man Rickie Lambert with the striker being isolated for the majority of the clash.
Gerrard conceded possession poorly in his own half to gift Wimbledon a chance late on in the first half, but was able to gain swift reprieve by heading the resulting corner off the line.
End Product
The perfect delayed run into the box brought the opening goal as Gerrard headed home Javier Manquillo's cross as Liverpool took early control.
While Wimbledon grasped the initiative in the game's middle third, Gerrard then converted his second chance in style.
The Reds skipper stroked home from a 20-yard free-kick to dig Liverpool out of a potentially sticky situation.
Liverpool wasted several late opportunities to end the argument, so in the end it was Gerrard's interventions that once again proved pivotal. PA
.
Steven Gerrard marked his first game since confirming he will leave Anfield this summer with both goals in Liverpool's 2-1 victory at AFC Wimbledon.
Here, we examine the Liverpool captain's pivotal role in the Merseyside club's third-round FA Cup win.
Leadership
The 34-year-old captain finished what he started by heading the first goal, then dispatching the free-kick that secured Liverpool's safe passage to the fourth round.
As so often in times past, when Liverpool craved a decisive hand, it was Gerrard who delivered.
Gerrard seized control of the tie by heading the visitors into the lead, later popping up to defuse tension built up by Wimbledon with the peerless winning set-piece strike.
The midfielder also cleared Adam Barrett's header off the line with the scores locked at 1-1 as Wimbledon started the second half in the ascendancy.
Creativity
Gerrard assumed the most attacking role in Liverpool's midfield as boss Brendan Rodgers lent on his skipper's experience at Kingsmeadow.
The former England captain handed his side the perfect opening with the game's first goal, but was unable to maintain that stranglehold.
Liverpool and Gerrard were unable to link midfield with front man Rickie Lambert with the striker being isolated for the majority of the clash.
Gerrard conceded possession poorly in his own half to gift Wimbledon a chance late on in the first half, but was able to gain swift reprieve by heading the resulting corner off the line.
End Product
The perfect delayed run into the box brought the opening goal as Gerrard headed home Javier Manquillo's cross as Liverpool took early control.
While Wimbledon grasped the initiative in the game's middle third, Gerrard then converted his second chance in style.
The Reds skipper stroked home from a 20-yard free-kick to dig Liverpool out of a potentially sticky situation.
Liverpool wasted several late opportunities to end the argument, so in the end it was Gerrard's interventions that once again proved pivotal. PA
.
Liverpool battled to a gritty 2-1 win against a stubborn AFC Wimbledon side in the FA Cup third round, with captain Steven Gerrard‘s double saving his side’s blushes just days after announcing his summer exit at Anfield.
AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Liverpool
FA Cup / Kingsmeadow / Monday, 5th January 2015
Goals: Gerrard (12 and 62); Akinfenwa (36)
Liverpool faced a potential banana skin as they faced League 2 side AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow to start their 2014/15 FA Cup campaign. It was a repeat of the 1988 final, which famously ended in heartbreak for the Reds. Victory would see a fourth round tie at home to Bolton Wanderers.
Brendan Rodgers named a strong starting eleven, making just three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Leicester City on New Year’s Day.
Martin Skrtel returned from suspension in place of Kolo Toure, Lazar Markovic replaced the injured Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert came in for Raheem Sterling, who was rested.
Sean Rigg had the first chance of note, dragging his effort wide from the left-hand side of the penalty area. Liverpool were ahead after 11 minutes though, and it just had to be Steven Gerrard who scored the goal after all that has gone on in the last few days.
The skipper clinically headed home Javier Manquillo’s cross, outlining the goal threat he still carries in an advanced midfield role.
The Reds were completely in control of proceedings, and the early goal helped take an edge off the game and silence the home faithful. Markovic raced through and almost scored from a tight angle.
Simon Mignolet made a stunning save to deny Rigg, and from the resulting corner Adam Barrett headed over. It was the first spell of sustained pressure by The Wombles.
Star striker Matt Tubbs then had a wonderful chance to equalise, but fired wide. Liverpool had to wake up a bit, and had taken their foot off the gas.
In the 36th minute Wimbledon were level, and it had been coming. Mignolet didn’t deal with a corner, as is the norm, and Ade Akinfenwa eventually prodded home. It was yet another gaffe from the much-maligned Belgian.
The rest of the half went by without much of note happening, and at half-time the scores were level. A nervy second-half awaited.
Half-time: Wimbledon 1-1 Liverpool
There were no changes for either side at the interval, as the Reds looked to improve on a limp first-half performance in Kingston.
Gerrard headed Barrett’s effort off the line just minutes after the restart, as Liverpool’s pathetic ability to defend set-pieces continued. Rigg shot over after ponderous work by Emre Can.
Coutinho fired wide when he should really have teed up Gerrard, while the visitors also had a penalty appeal for handball waved away.
At the hour mark it was still 1-1, and it was becoming an increasingly nerve-wracking evening. Defeat was unthinkable for Rodgers.
After 61 minutes Liverpool were back ahead though, thank goodness, and it was down to more Gerrard magic. The 34-year-old curled a stunning free-kick past James Shea; not dissimilar to his effort against Basel last month.
The goal seemed to settle the Merseysiders, and the disappointing Lambert forced Shea into a decent save. Another Gerrard free-kick curled a yard wide, while Jose Enrique replaced Manquillo with 19 minutes remaining.
Coutinho had a wonderful opportunity to kill the game off, while Gerrard’s shot was saved solidly by Shea after 81 minutes. Was there to be a late twist?
Lucas made a terrific block to deny Adebayo Azeez, while Markovic should have scored on the break but produced a tame effort with the goal at his mercy.
Gerrard almost got his hat-trick in the dying seconds, with substitute Mario Balotelli almost pouncing too, while Mignolet made a fine stop with his legs at the other end.
Liverpool were through, but they hadn’t had it their own way whatsoever.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo (Enrique 71), Sakho, Skrtel, Can, Markovic (Toure 87), Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Lambert (Balotelli 79).
Subs not used: Ward, Enrique, Moreno, Borini, Williams.
Wimbledon starting XI: Shea, Fuller, Kennedy, Moore, Barrett, Goodman, Rigg, Bulman, Akinfenwa, Tubbs, Francomb.
Liverpool battled to a gritty 2-1 win against a stubborn AFC Wimbledon side in the FA Cup third round, with captain Steven Gerrard‘s double saving his side’s blushes just days after announcing his summer exit at Anfield.
AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Liverpool
FA Cup / Kingsmeadow / Monday, 5th January 2015
Goals: Gerrard (12 and 62); Akinfenwa (36)
Liverpool faced a potential banana skin as they faced League 2 side AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow to start their 2014/15 FA Cup campaign. It was a repeat of the 1988 final, which famously ended in heartbreak for the Reds. Victory would see a fourth round tie at home to Bolton Wanderers.
Brendan Rodgers named a strong starting eleven, making just three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Leicester City on New Year’s Day.
Martin Skrtel returned from suspension in place of Kolo Toure, Lazar Markovic replaced the injured Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert came in for Raheem Sterling, who was rested.
Sean Rigg had the first chance of note, dragging his effort wide from the left-hand side of the penalty area. Liverpool were ahead after 11 minutes though, and it just had to be Steven Gerrard who scored the goal after all that has gone on in the last few days.
The skipper clinically headed home Javier Manquillo’s cross, outlining the goal threat he still carries in an advanced midfield role.
The Reds were completely in control of proceedings, and the early goal helped take an edge off the game and silence the home faithful. Markovic raced through and almost scored from a tight angle.
Simon Mignolet made a stunning save to deny Rigg, and from the resulting corner Adam Barrett headed over. It was the first spell of sustained pressure by The Wombles.
Star striker Matt Tubbs then had a wonderful chance to equalise, but fired wide. Liverpool had to wake up a bit, and had taken their foot off the gas.
In the 36th minute Wimbledon were level, and it had been coming. Mignolet didn’t deal with a corner, as is the norm, and Ade Akinfenwa eventually prodded home. It was yet another gaffe from the much-maligned Belgian.
The rest of the half went by without much of note happening, and at half-time the scores were level. A nervy second-half awaited.
Half-time: Wimbledon 1-1 Liverpool
There were no changes for either side at the interval, as the Reds looked to improve on a limp first-half performance in Kingston.
Gerrard headed Barrett’s effort off the line just minutes after the restart, as Liverpool’s pathetic ability to defend set-pieces continued. Rigg shot over after ponderous work by Emre Can.
Coutinho fired wide when he should really have teed up Gerrard, while the visitors also had a penalty appeal for handball waved away.
At the hour mark it was still 1-1, and it was becoming an increasingly nerve-wracking evening. Defeat was unthinkable for Rodgers.
After 61 minutes Liverpool were back ahead though, thank goodness, and it was down to more Gerrard magic. The 34-year-old curled a stunning free-kick past James Shea; not dissimilar to his effort against Basel last month.
The goal seemed to settle the Merseysiders, and the disappointing Lambert forced Shea into a decent save. Another Gerrard free-kick curled a yard wide, while Jose Enrique replaced Manquillo with 19 minutes remaining.
Coutinho had a wonderful opportunity to kill the game off, while Gerrard’s shot was saved solidly by Shea after 81 minutes. Was there to be a late twist?
Lucas made a terrific block to deny Adebayo Azeez, while Markovic should have scored on the break but produced a tame effort with the goal at his mercy.
Gerrard almost got his hat-trick in the dying seconds, with substitute Mario Balotelli almost pouncing too, while Mignolet made a fine stop with his legs at the other end.
Liverpool were through, but they hadn’t had it their own way whatsoever.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo (Enrique 71), Sakho, Skrtel, Can, Markovic (Toure 87), Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Lambert (Balotelli 79).
Subs not used: Ward, Enrique, Moreno, Borini, Williams.
Wimbledon starting XI: Shea, Fuller, Kennedy, Moore, Barrett, Goodman, Rigg, Bulman, Akinfenwa, Tubbs, Francomb.
