Liverpool failed to make home advantage count in the FA Cup quarter-final against Blackburn Rovers after they could only manage a 0-0 draw, which forces the tie into a replay at Ewood Park.
The Reds have been hoping to make the most out of the FA Cup this season, as it will be the final campaign for their talisman – Steven Gerrard. Since the FA Cup final falls on the 35th birthday for the Liverpool captain, it has become an extra special motivation for the club. However, it did not reflect on the performance against Blackburn, who had the better of chances at Anfield.
Defender Glen Johnson, who remains out of contract in the summer, remains defiant even after this poor performance. It was probably the first time Liverpool did not appear close to winning comfortably in 2015. The team has been on such a remarkable run of form that they are now the favourites ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal to finish in the Champions League places. A victory for Liverpool will see them play at the Wembley since the League Cup success under Kenny Dalglish a few years ago. As far as FA Cup goes, Liverpool have not reached the final of this competition since their last victory in 2006.
“We just didn’t play to our best today.That happens sometimes. Blackburn played well and made it tough.We can’t make excuses but the pitch didn’t help us. I know it’s the same for both sides but it slowed us down.Without doubt, it’s the worst it’s been during my time at Liverpool. You have to watch your touch more because it bobbles so much. And it’s harder for the likes of Philippe (Coutinho) and Raheem (Sterling) to dribble with the ball.It slows everything down because the bounce is so irregular. It’s different every time,” said Johnson.