How Twitter Reacted to Liverpool's League Cup Penalty Shootout Win over Stoke

Liverpool fell at the semi-final hurdle in both the FA and League Cups last season. In this campaign, however, they will definitely be making at least one trip to Wembley. As the second leg of their semi-final with Stoke kicked off, many were tweeting about the long-awaited return of Jon Flanagan:

Clearly, the 23-year-old fullback's return had a positive effect from the outset: 

It took around 20 minutes before the first real chance came, a solid effort from Jon Walters. Alberto Moreno—who had a poor outing at Carrow Road on Saturday—received plenty of criticism for failing to deal with it:

"

Moreno is the worst left back I have ever seen. No exaggeration. #lfcvscfc

— Keith H (@maclaithimh) January 26, 2016"

"

Moreno couldn't track a parcel never mind Jon Walters run #LFC

— Jurgen Brodinho (@Brodinho) January 26, 2016"

Peter Crouch was trending in the first half, making a rare start for the Potters against his former side. It seemed evident that the visitors were trying to take advantage of Liverpool's vulnerability in the air at the back:

"

Peter crouch You're all thinking the same thing

— Jessica (@genre_spanner) January 26, 2016"

This Crouchy Tweet was also worthy of note:

However, it wasn't the big man or an aerial ball that allowed Stoke to even the aggregate score. In first-half injury time, Marko Arnautovic appeared to be in an offside position when he connected with a Bojan cross to put the Potters 1-0 up on the evening (1-1 on aggregate):  

"

Olha...nessa imagem parece impedido mas um lance bem díficil pic.twitter.com/QzIekRtTfs

— English League BR (@EnglishLeagueBR) January 26, 2016"

Liverpool applied pressure as the second half started and felt they may have deserved a penalty when Jon Walters barged James Milner in the box. However, nothing was given:

Just before the hour mark, Christian Benteke was trusted enough to earn some minutes on the field. Many were confused by his positioning:

With around 20 minutes to go, Mamadou Sakho had the chance to put Liverpool ahead when he got his head on a Milner cross. Yet the frequently maligned French defender did not convert the chance:

"

Sakho absolutely baffled by winning a header in the opponents box clears it for a goal kick. #lfc

— Jamie Holker (@HolkHogan) January 26, 2016"

Charlie Adam replaced Bojan in the 71st minute—a change that was not to everyone's taste:

"

Lost all faith that Stoke might win this when thy brought Charlie Adam on for Bojan

— Andy H (@Andy_H_EFC) January 26, 2016"

"

Scfc Peter Crouch, Charlie Adam - time to hang your boots up lads, the game's too fast for you and passing you by. Thanks for the memories

— Papio Gringo (@sootmonkey) January 26, 2016"

The two sides couldn't be separated by 180 minutes of football, so it went to extra time (during which the Adam haters got their wish as the midfielder limped off in the first period). Marco van Ginkel nearly put Stoke 2-0 ahead on the evening with a stunner after 14 minutes of extra time:

After a nervous second period of extra time and 210 minutes of football, the tie went to penalties. 

In the second round of penalties, Peter Crouch had his saved by Simon Mignolet:

But Emre Can kept it level when he hit the post immediately afterwards:

Benteke made it 2-2 with a cheeky slow effort:

And things were tense when it went to sudden death:

"

This penalty shoot-out... pic.twitter.com/5QVIupgPKe

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) January 26, 2016"

However, Marc Muniesa stepped up for Stoke's seventh kick and it was saved:

"

Muniesa learnt well from Messi at his time in FC Barcelona. Missed his penalty.

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) January 26, 2016"

That meant it was all on Joe Allen to take Liverpool to Wembley—and the Welshman did not disappoint:

"

The Welsh Pirlo wins it for Liverpool!

— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) January 26, 2016"

"

Joe Allen scores and sends Liverpool to Wembley. What a time to be alive!! https://t.co/9s2eS0KIMP

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) January 26, 2016"

It wasn't a classic semi-final, but Liverpool find themselves competing for their ninth League Cup, where they will face either Everton or Manchester City.

[Twitter]