A relativly quiet first half began with Ramires speeding by Jose Enrique, before powering his shot to the near post, around a off balance Pepe Reina. Reina, as did most people in the arena, assumed that the Brazilian would go far post, and was caught off by the midfielder as he drew first blood.
In the 52nd minute, it was who else, but Didier Drogba himself, scoring after a wonderful pass on by Lampard. This made him the only man to score in 4 FA Cup finals. It seemed as if Liverpool were buried, but, as the announcers so kindly reminded us, Liverpool have several times come back from down 2-nil.
Finally, it happened. In the 64th, Andy Carroll, a sub brought on by Kenny Daglish, ripped one into the roof of the net. Carroll, had Chelsea not won, was the man of the match. A very, very close encounter that scared most Chelsea fans came just 15 minutes later.
Liverpool was revived. Carroll and Dirk Kuyt had come on and rejuvinized the Reds, to the point where it seemed very likely that Chelsea would not only lose their lead but also the title. A cross from Luis Suarez came to the back post, where Andy Carroll was waiting. As he did against Everton, Carroll rose into the air to head the ball goal bound, in what seemed a goal. But, as replays showed, Petr Cech made an incredible save, only just pushing the ball back across the line before it fully crossed. The Liverpool players protested, but the refs had it right. So, minutes later, Chelsea had their 4th FA Cup in 6 years, their 7th ever. A fight to the end, but the Blues held on. John Terry also became the first captain to win 4 FA Cups with one club.
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