Liverpool knocked out of FA cup by Arsenal

Liverpool’s hopes of winning a first FA Cup in eight years ended after they were defeated by Arsenal in the fifth round at the Emirates yesterday afternoon.

The Gunners, who were thumped 5-1 by Brendan Rodgers’ men at Anfield eight days earlier, took the lead on sixteen minutes through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with Lukas Podolski doubling their advantage two minutes into the second half.

Captain Steven Gerrard pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot just ahead of the hour mark, though they were unable to find an equaliser.

The England skipper now has eight goals this season, with five coming in his last eight appearances in all competitions.

They were denied a second spot-kick when Oxlade-Chamberlain’s clumsy challenge inside the box on Luis Suarez was deemed fair by referee Howard Webb, a decision which has been labelled ‘strange’ by the Liverpool manager.

The Reds will now turn their attention to Sunday afternoon’s visit of Swansea City, where their bid to ensure a top-four finish in the Premier League will continue.

Meanwhile, the clash against Sunderland which was due to take place at Anfield on March 10th has been postponed after Gus Poyet’s men secured their place in the FA Cup quarter finals with victory over Southampton on Saturday.