Liverpool FC: Winners and Losers from the 2012 Carling Cup Final at Wembley

When players find themselves embraced with an atmosphere that rivals any of the most celebrated football grounds in the world, players can either find that extra bit of motivation, or crumble. At Wembley, in the Carling Cup final, players would do just that.

In my opinion, only one player performed to their full capabilities in the Liverpool line-up; you will find out later whom. The rest had average games, where others had non-existent or considerably poor outings.

In this article I'll take you through those who gained from Sunday's victory, and those who will be looking for a chance to redeem themselves.  

Loser: Jordan Henderson

To sum this one up, this was the worst game I'd ever seen Jordan Henderson play.

He looked scared, vulnerable even, as if the occasion was too big for him. His passes either moved the team backwards or went astray. His running, too, was questionable. He offered nothing offensively and little defensively; he was, in short, useless.

Do naturally the question will be asked, "Is Jordan Henderson good enough?"

I believe he is.

Henderson was playing his first (hopefully, of many) finals for a massive club, so he was understandably feeling the pressure. He has been fairly consistent so far, and should not be questioned for one disappointing—or atrocious—performance.  

However, his first appearance at Wembley for Liverpool was not a memorable one for the right personal reasons.

Winner: Stewart Downing

Thank you, Stewart Downing.

Whereas Jordan Henderson seemed to melt under the occasion, pricey winger Stewart Downing seemed to take it up a gear at Wembley. He had put in excellent performances at Wembley for England previously, and this may have given him an extra bit of confidence that certainly rubbed off on his performance.

He finally looked to take players on, showing Liverpool fans some pace. His crosses and trickery were, at times, masterful. He looked the complete player.

He didn't buckle under the pressure of taking a pivotal penalty, and was deservedly named man of the match.

His best game in a Liverpool shirt came at exactly the right time.

Losers: Liverpool's Penalty Takers

The Liverpool penalty takers, with the exception of Dirk Kuyt, played a role reversal game. It was torture. Out of Liverpool's five penalty takers, I would have put my money on Charlie Adam and Steven Gerrard. I looked questionably at Downing and Johnson in particular.

Yet, the latter two scored brilliant spot-kicks, whereas Liverpool's best two penalty maestros missed. It was surprising, to say the least.

Winner: Martin Skrtel

A rock.

He's fantastic in the air, and scores goals. He has been a revelation.

Loser: Luis Suarez

My major criticism of Luis Suarez is the fact that he overcomplicated things and consequently doesn't score nearly enough as he should do. He had a glorious chance when Pepe Reina's clearance beat two central defenders and left him one on one with the goalkeeper. He chose to take the ball on his chest and then, having taken too long, try an audacious chip.

Just shoot.

Oh, also, all non-Liverpool fans hate him.

Winners: Liverpool Fans, Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool Football Club as a Whole

So, Liverpool win again. The wait for silverware is finally over. No longer can rival fans ask "When was the last time you won something?" Considering after a long, painful wait, a Liverpool fan can reply, "Sooner than you."

Our beloved club is finally on the right track.

Thanks for reading.