Liverpool Knocked Out of FA Cup as Willian, Ross Barkley Lift Chelsea to 2-0 Win

Chelsea knocked Liverpool out of the 2020 FA Cup on Tuesday, winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to book their place in the quarter-finals.

The Blues went ahead after just 12 minutes thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Adrian. The Liverpool No. 2 should have saved Willian's shot but could only divert it into the back of the net.

Jurgen Klopp's side came flying back but were denied an equaliser by a brilliant triple save from the recalled Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead just after the hour mark through Ross Barkley and should have had a third when Pedro ran through on goal but could not beat Adrian.

Both teams made wholesale changes to their teams after playing in the league on Saturday. Chelsea brought Kepa back into the starting XI and handed 18-year-old Billy Gilmour a start in midfield, while the Reds started January signing Takumi Minamino:

An explosive opening to the match brought chances for both sides and an opening goal for Chelsea. Willian fired an effort at Adrian from the outside of the box that the goalkeeper ought to have saved but fumbled into the back of the net (UK video only):

Liverpool came roaring back and would have levelled but for some brilliance from Kepa in the Chelsea goal. The Spaniard denied Sadio Mane from close range, blocked Divock Origi on the follow-up and then parried an effort from Curtis Jones for good measure too.

Chelsea also needed Kepa to deny Mane twice in the opening 45 minutes in an impressive performance on his return to the team after being dropped by Frank Lampard after a 2-2 draw to Arsenal on January 21:

Gilmour also shone in midfield for the Blues. The Scotland U21 player was a surprise name on the teamsheet but produced an energetic display full of composure that drew plenty of praise:

Chelsea lost Mateo Kovacic to injury at the start of the second half but continued to cause Liverpool problems in defence. Mason Mount hit the crossbar with a free-kick before Barkley doubled their advantage.

The midfielder went on a driving run towards goal and smashed a shot past Adrian into the bottom corner (UK video only):

Chelsea should have had a third two minutes later. Pedro was sent clean through on goal by a clearance from Kurt Zouma but could only shoot straight at Adrian.

The Liverpool goalkeeper was called into action again to prevent Chelsea extending their lead. Olivier Giroud managed to control a long ball and fire goalwards, but the Spaniard tipped his effort onto the woodwork.

It is an impressive result for Chelsea and Lampard, who were good value for the win, while the result means previously unbeaten Liverpool have now lost three of their last four games in all competitions.

What's Next?

Liverpool play Bournemouth in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, while Chelsea are at Everton on Sunday.