Liverpool vs Cardiff LIVE: FA Cup result and final score as Harvey Elliott scores
The Reds are into the fifth round where they will face Norwich
New £37.5million signing Luis Diaz gave Anfield a glimpse of what he can offer with an encouraging 30-minute cameo in Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Cardiff City.
The Colombia international only met his team-mates for the first time on Friday having waited in Paris most of the week for his visa to come through following his move from Porto last Sunday.
But there was no lacking in determination or invention as he played a significant role in the decisive second goal for Takumi Minamino, after Diogo Jota’s 15th of the season had made the breakthrough.
However, not to be outdone 18-year-old Harvey Elliott announced his return after five months out with an ankle fracture dislocation with a brilliant swivelled finish in front of the Kop - his first goal for the club.
Cardiff substitute Rubin Colwill scored an 80th-minute consolation for the visitors with a smart finish but a place in the last 16 - and a home tie against Norwich - for only the second time in Jurgen Klopp’s reign was never in doubt.
Harvey Elliott seals feel-good Liverpool FA Cup win over Cardiff on injury return
No matter where you looked against Cardiff City at Anfield, the storylines were golden for Liverpool. It wasn’t the prettiest FA Cup triumph, nor the most memorable, but signalled growing strength for the second half of the season beyond a fifth-round hosting of Norwich.
Sunday’s early kick off was doused in good vibes for Jurgen Klopp’s men; a return to the squad for Harvey Elliott after a five-month ankle injury lay-off, and a first sighting of new attacking recruit Luis Diaz. Both walked onto the Anfield turf to rapturous applause in the second half, after Diogo Jota’s header ensured the optimistic mood was not killed.
Both drew even more acclaim for ballooning the scoreline, Diaz offering dazzling feet and an instant impact to set up Liverpool’s second, while Elliott provided a tasty first touch and thundering volley to wrap up victory. Cardiff got a goal, but not much joy as mere backdrop during a hugely promising afternoon for the Merseysiders.
Harvey Elliott seals feel-good Liverpool FA Cup win over Cardiff on injury return
Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff: Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino put the Reds in control before Elliott stole the show and Luiz Diaz showed promise on his debut
Reaction from Diogo Jota
Liverpool goalscorer Diogo Jota spoke to ITV following the game and said:
Cup games are always hard, even when playing lower league teams and we know the magic of the FA Cup.
“It was crucial to get the first goal, it is hard to get the space against a low block and in the end we got three and are in the next stage.
“If it came when I had the first chance it would be better.”
Liverpool beat Cardiff City to make it through to fifth round of FA Cup
Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino also found the back of the net for Liverpool in what was a professional performance from the Premier League club.
Liverpool had 80% possession created 19 chances, with five shots on target. Of those they scored three and put the game away from Cardiff.
Liverpool through to fifth round of FA Cup
Harvey Elliott made a goalscoring return to the Liverpool team as he helped his team defeat Cardiff 3-1 to progress to the next round of the FA Cup and set up a meeting with Norwich City.
Full-time: Liverpool 3 - 1 Cardiff
90+3 mins: There goes the final whistle. Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino and Harvey Elliott all scored for Liverpool to kill off the game before Rubin Colwill scored a fine consolation goal for Cardiff with 10 minutes to go. It couldn’t spark a magical comeback as the Reds took control of the ball, kept it away from the visitors and closed out the game with seeming ease.
A good days work from Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Liverpool 3 - 1 Cardiff
90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play at Anfield. Liverpool have a comfortable two goal lead. They’re in control of the game and are going to face Norwich City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Liverpool 3 - 1 Cardiff
86 mins: The intensity has gone out of the game. Liverpool are managing it well, keeping possession, forcing Cardiff deep into their own half and allowing the visitors no time on the ball.
Liverpool 3 - 1 Cardiff
83 mins: There’s a worrying moment for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp as Luis Diaz and Aden Flint both attempt to win an aerial ball. the players get tangled up and Flint lands on Diaz’s knee when the both hit the ground. Initially it looks like a painful impact injury but Diaz is back on his feet and looks okay to play on.
GOAL! Liverpool 3 - 1 Cardiff (Colwill, 80’)⚽️
80 mins: Cardiff have one back! Rubin Colwill nicks the ball in the middle of the pitch and drives Cardiff forward on th counterattack. He passes it out to Isaak Davies who brings the ball into the box before slotting it back to Colwill. He takes a touch and then shoots from inside the box. Caoimhin Kelleher is rooted to the spot as the shot nestles into the bottom left corner.
Liverpool 3 - 0 Cardiff
79 mins: Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara is the last substitution as he comes on to replace Jordan Henderson.
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