Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings: Christian Benteke, Jack Grealish or Fabian Delph? Who led Villa to the FA Cup final?

Villa's win means Gerrard will leave Anfield without a trophy this season

Monday 20 April 2015 18:33 BST

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Aston Villa came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final and clinch a spot in the final against Arsenal next month.

Though fighting to stay up in the Premier League, Villa were superior for most of the game at Wembley Stadium.

The Villans went behind in the 30th minute when Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead from close range following a deft pass from Raheem Sterling.

But Tim Sherwood's men responded well and in-form striker Christian Benteke equalised in the 36th after an incisive cutback from captain Fabian Delph.

But who stood out at Wembley? Check out our player ratings below to find out:

Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

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1/23Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Shay Given

Nothing the Irishman could do about Philippe Coutinho’s first-half strike. Shay Given has been ever-present for Villa in the cups and did his boss proud. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Leandro Bacuna

Often liable to race down the flanks, leaving space behind him, Leandro Bacuna has been tamed somewhat under his new manager. That was clear for all to see once more today. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Ron Vlaar

Without Daniel Sturridge to contend with, who may have exposed his lack of pace more so than Lazar Markovic could, today could have been different for Vlaar. As it were, the Dutch international delivered another combative display. 8

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Nathan Baker

One of Villa’s promising young players, Nathan Baker has a bright future ahead of him and this experience will absolutely benefit his career. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Kieran Richardson

Added some well-needed experience into a youthful Villa side. When called upon, the former Manchester United man held the ball up well. Did superbly to clear off the line from Steven Gerrard in the dying stages. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Tom Cleverley

The much maligned midfielder has had plenty on his plate in recent weeks with rumours surfacing that Arsenal and Spurs are interested in his services in the summer. Another decent, hard-working display. 8

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Ashley Westwood

Had the difficult task of managing the exploits of Steven Gerrard but fared well for large periods. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Fabian Delph

A menace, undoubtedly, but Fabian Delph will always have his physicality called into question. Sometimes liable to overcompensate, as we saw when he risked a penalty on Raheem Sterling, the England man put in a good shift. 8

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Charles N'Zogbia

A thorn in the sides of all Liverpool defenders, the former Newcastle winger charged forward at every given opportunity. 8

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Christian-Benteke.jpg

Feed the beat and he will score. The Belgian hotshot has been in stunning form since Sherwood’s arrival at Villa Park and he continues that today. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Jack Grealish

Despite wearing his socks far too low, Jack Grealish impressed once more. Tim Sherwood has got grand designs for the young talent and you can see why. 9

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Simon Mignolet

While Aston Villa were indeed impressive, they did little to test the Liverpool keeper. 6

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Emre Can

Stood up to the threat posed by Christian Benteke reasonably well but lost his man for Villa’s first goal. 6

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Martin Skrtel

Was his typical combative self but without really getting a real hold of Christian Benteke. Only did well against the Belgian when the striker dropped off. 6

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Dejan Lovren

Was embarrassed by Fabian Delph for Aston Villa’s second goal and didn’t really recover. 5

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Lazar Markovic

Substituted at half time after an indifferent display in the first period. 5

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Jordan Henderson

Was anonymous in the opening 45 minutes but had his hands full with Jack Grealish and Charles N’Zogbia in the second half. 6

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Joe Allen

Had a hand in the Liverpool goal and became an outlet for every move forward into the Villa half. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Alberto Moreno

Made a crucial late challenge on Christian Benteke in the second half to deny a certain goal. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Steven Gerrard

Perhaps forced back into action too soon, after Lucas Leiva’s injury, the former England skipper was given the run around by Jack Grealish. 6

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Philippe Coutinho

Took his first goal well and posed a considerable threat in the early exchanges but went missing in the second period. 7

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Raheem Sterling

Could and should have done more to get Liverpool back into once they had fallen behind. He had the tools at his disposal but struggled to get into the match. 6

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Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1 player ratings

Best of the Bench: Mario Balotelli

The controversial Italian was impressive at times, showcasing his box of tricks, but lacked the conviction to do anything about Liverpool’s second half plight. 6

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The winner came in the 54th when Delph started and finished a swift move that involved smart passes from Benteke and Jack Grealish.

Liverpool was denied an equaliser in the 88th when Mario Balotelli's strike was ruled offside.

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