On May 13, 2006, Liverpool faced West Ham United in the FA Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. In one of the most memorable finals in FA Cup history, Liverpool secured a dramatic victory, winning 3-1 on penalties after the match ended 3-3 after extra time.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Liverpool: 3 (Djibril Cissé 32′, Steven Gerrard 54′, 90+1′)
- West Ham United: 3 (Jamie Carragher 21′ (own goal), Dean Ashton 28′, Paul Konchesky 64′)
- Penalty Shootout: Liverpool 3-1 West Ham United
- Possession:
- Liverpool dominated possession with 61%, while West Ham United had 39%. Liverpool’s control of the ball allowed them to create more opportunities, particularly as the game wore on.
- Shots:
- Liverpool registered 22 shots, with 10 on target, showcasing their attacking intent and persistence. West Ham United had 11 shots, with 6 on target, indicating their efficiency in front of goal, despite being outplayed for long periods.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Liverpool displayed a passing accuracy of 83%, completing 451 passes out of 542 attempts. West Ham had a passing accuracy of 73%, completing 263 passes out of 361 attempts. Liverpool’s superior ball retention and distribution were key to their comeback.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Liverpool made 18 tackles compared to West Ham’s 22, reflecting West Ham’s attempts to disrupt Liverpool’s play and maintain their lead. Both teams committed 12 fouls, highlighting the competitive nature of the match.
- Set Pieces:
- West Ham’s first goal came from an own goal by Jamie Carragher, following a long throw-in that caused confusion in the Liverpool defense. Paul Konchesky’s goal was a cross that unexpectedly found its way into the net. Liverpool’s goals came from open play, with Steven Gerrard scoring twice, including a stunning long-range strike in stoppage time to send the match to extra time.
- Individual Performances:
- Steven Gerrard was the standout player for Liverpool, scoring two crucial goals, including the late equalizer that forced extra time. His performance was instrumental in Liverpool’s victory, and he was rightly named Man of the Match. For West Ham, Dean Ashton was a key figure, scoring one goal and causing problems for the Liverpool defense throughout the match.
- Tactical Overview:
- Liverpool employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on attacking through the flanks and utilizing Gerrard’s ability to influence the game from midfield. West Ham United used a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to be solid defensively and capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks. Liverpool’s tactical adjustments in the second half, particularly their increased pressure and Gerrard’s deeper involvement, were crucial to their comeback.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team: Steven Gerrard for Liverpool (84′) and Nigel Reo-Coker for West Ham United (90′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at stopping counter-attacks and disrupting play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Liverpool won 10 corners compared to West Ham’s 5, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Liverpool were caught offside twice, while West Ham had three offside calls, indicating disciplined defensive lines from both teams.
Summary
Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup Final, followed by a 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout, is widely regarded as one of the greatest FA Cup finals of all time. West Ham took an early lead and looked set to secure an upset victory, but Liverpool’s resilience, led by Steven Gerrard’s heroic performance, saw them claw their way back into the match. Gerrard’s long-range equalizer in stoppage time is remembered as one of the most iconic goals in FA Cup history. The match ultimately went to penalties, where Liverpool’s experience and composure secured them their seventh FA Cup title, breaking West Ham hearts in the process.
