How Liverpool's Dramatic FA Cup Victory over Bolton Unfolded on Twitter

The last time Bolton played Liverpool in an FA Cup replay was Wednesday, 13 January 1993. On that day, the Trotters came away from Anfield with a shock 2-0 victory. 

"

Congratulations Liverpool... This man awaits pic.twitter.com/1JI0s4Os6f

— Sam Hayes (@sam_hayes95) February 4, 2015"

Fast forward 22 years to Wednesday evening and Bolton found themselves in a very similar situation, facing the Reds for the right to enter the fifth round of the competition.

This time, however, we have the benefit of seeing the opinion of fans from all around the world on Twitter. What a time to be alive.   

Before kick-off, #Stevie700 was trending, as Steven Gerrard, the man who single-handedly guided Liverpool through their third-round tie at AFC Wimbledon, was set to play his 700th game for the Reds. Prior to this game, only Ian Callaghan and Jamie Carragher had represented Liverpool 700 times or more...

"

Captain Fantastic making his 700th appearance for #LFC tonight. Made his debut against Blackburn in Nov 98 #Stevie700 pic.twitter.com/k4JamsShw2

— LG (@liverpoolgifs) February 4, 2015"

"

'MEMBER WHEN HE SLIPPED THO? 'MEMBER? LAST SEASON WHEN HE SLIPPED THO. LOLZ SLIPPY G PENALTYSWIMMINGPOOL. #Stevie700

— Doc (@ManhattanDoc) February 4, 2015"

The evening's preamble did not belong solely to Stevie G, though. Many hoped that the Internet's Favourite Footballer™ Emile Heskey would make another start against his old club, but sadly the 37-year-old was confined to the BBC studio...

"

Can't believe Heskey is injured, was written in the stars him gettin a hat trick tonight

— Allan Woodman (@therealmullet9) February 4, 2015"

In lieu of Heskey, Bolton manager Neil Lennon made the maverick move of putting centre-back Matt Mills up front. This was met with a mixture of confusion and opportunism from those who like a punt...  

Once the game kicked off, a general lack of meaningful events on the field meant social media turned its collective attention to the dulcet tones of commentator Phil Neville...

"

Phil Neville commentates like he's hiding in someone's wardrobe and doesn't want to be discovered

— Luke Aaron Moore (@lukeymoore) February 4, 2015"

"

Someone tell me why Phil Neville is whispering on BBC1? Is he sitting behind someone he doesn't want to have to say hello to? #BBCSPORT

— Olly Clements (@ollyismyname) February 4, 2015"

P-Nev wasn't the only man to incur wrath—the inclusion of Joe Allen in Liverpool's starting line-up was questioned almost as much as his first-half performance...

"

If an extractor fan could speak, it would sound like Phil Neville.

— Paul Rook (@PaulRook) February 4, 2015"

"

New drinking game. Every time Joe Allen passes sideways, backwards or just simply gives it away, you drink. My liver transplant is Friday.

— Jack (@Jack_Hyner91) February 4, 2015"

"

Joe Allen is really really bad. Surely he's better than this in training?

— Chatting LFC (@chattingallLFC) February 4, 2015"

Aside from Raheem Sterling shaking the woodwork, there was little to report from a modestly entertaining first half...

"

Just noticed Joe Allen's playing.

— Doc (@ManhattanDoc) February 4, 2015"

Yet there was much joy derived from a half-time appearance by Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton midfielder who suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a televised FA Cup game in 2012...

In the 58th minute, fans were finally treated to some action when Zach Clough was brought down by Martin Skrtel. Some were unimpressed with the Slovakian...

And many suspected Clough had gone down a little too easily...

"

Liverpool players speaking to Martin Skrtel... https://t.co/rqJLtcdr6C

— FootyHumour (@FootyHumour) February 4, 2015"

However, 36-year-old Eidur Gudjohnsen calmly slotted home from 12 yards to give the home side the lead...

Around six minutes later, the Premier League side were handed a lifeline when Trotters midfielder Neil Danns was given a second yellow card for a red-worthy challenge on Allen...

"

Regardless of the circumstances, I am delighted to see Eidur Gudjohnsen score a goal! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I'M FEELING TWENTY TWOOOO

— Luke Aaron Moore (@lukeymoore) February 4, 2015"

The sending off didn't produce as much conversation as the referee's circular red card...

"

Lol @ this ref having a circular red card like your average Premier League ref circa 1999

— Jack (@Debaser92) February 4, 2015"

Shortly before the sending off, Liverpool fans were irked when Fabio Borini was brought on ahead of Daniel Sturridge—and then deployed in an unusual position...

"

A circular red card makes the referee look like he's not fully qualified and is only allowed a junior/training red card

— Luke Aaron Moore (@lukeymoore) February 4, 2015"

"

Sturride on the bench, brings Borini on.... pic.twitter.com/EulkCsTS52

— Mark Smith (@MarkSmith1996) February 4, 2015"

Liverpool finally got on the scoresheet in the 86th minute, when Raheem Sterling volleyed in from a lovely Emre Can through ball...

"

What a goal. Can with a great pass. Sterling with the volley. Get in.

— TheKopRoute (@TheKopRoute) February 4, 2015"

Not long into the five minutes of awarded stoppage time, Bolton's FA Cup dream was thoroughly deflated by a sensational goal from Coutinho to make it 2-1...

"

RAHEEM Sterling celebrating his goal http://t.co/4g6tdtHa3f

— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) February 4, 2015"

"

Been robbed of extra time and penalties on a Wednesday night here

— Tom Adams (@tomEurosport) February 4, 2015"

"

Coutinho was always a bit magic! https://t.co/UukLquHXKf

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) February 4, 2015"

Alas, Coutinho's magic prevented Bolton from repeating their replay triumph of 1993, with the Reds earning a trip to Crystal Palace for the fifth round...

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