Two unlikely heroes in Simon Mignolet and Joe Allen decided a nail-biting semi-final second-leg between Liverpool FC and Stoke City on Tuesday.
Liverpool FC booked their place in Wembley’s Capital One Cup show-piece next month with a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Stoke City at Anfield. A hugely controversial Marko Arnautović strike at the stroke of half-time pulled Mark Hughes’ men level on aggregate, but it was the home side that had the last laugh in the penalty shoot-out that followed a goalless half-hour of extra-time.
Simon Mignolet, who has been roundly criticised for his recent performances for Liverpool FC, proved to be the hero on the night, saving the efforts of former Red Peter Crouch as well as Marc Muniesa to set Joe Allen up for the winning penalty.
It fell upon the former Swansea midfielder — who has also received more than his fair share of criticism of late — to send Liverpool FC through to the final, and that is precisely what he did, sending the Anfield crowd into delirium. Reds supporters also expressed their joy on Twitter, hailing Mignolet and Allen for their decisive contributions towards bringing the Merseysiders one step closer to a first trophy since 2012.
Here are some of the best reactions from the game:
Fair play to Mignolet there, he’s sent us to Wembley. Along with Joe Allen. Poor on the night, but we’ve reached the League Cup final
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) January 26, 2016
Alot of people doubted Mignolet but now changed to believers! Knew it would happen! Support him no matter what not just when he does well!
— Liverpool1234 (@Liverpoolfc1993) January 26, 2016
Mignolet throws his shirt into Kop. #lfc fans singing about Wembley. Allen’s pen, & that Mignolet save, takes them to Capital One Cup final.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 26, 2016
If you’re happy to slag Mignolet off all season(no issues with that) then surely it’s right to praise him tonight isnt it ? ?
— Billy Campbell (@BillyCampbell_1) January 26, 2016
Mignolet was outstanding in the shootout, truth be told.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) January 26, 2016
Give Mignolet a new contract. #LFC 😉
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) January 26, 2016
The moment the spirit of Kolo entered Mignolet! #LFC pic.twitter.com/aM4auE1ldG
— David Lovett (@dlovett32) January 26, 2016
Hope Mignolet gets a boost and gets back in form again, after being the man of the match tonight #LFC
— Zaid Shahin (@Dr_ZaidShahin) January 26, 2016
Yess the Reds, Joe Allen was superb when he come on, another heavy day at Wembley on the cards now ???
— Cameron Rimmer (@camynwa97) January 26, 2016
I’m rarely wrong ? but if he continues like this Joe Allen I will hold my hands up. Game changer. Again.
— Matthew Jackson (@MattyJJackson) January 26, 2016
Joe Allen pleased with his Pen. pic.twitter.com/S9tzBwwsGm
— Karl Lennon (@Karl_Lennon) January 26, 2016
When the rest of the fan base finally likes Joe Allen pic.twitter.com/vzBDUwjxm7
— Tristán (@TheFamousRed) January 26, 2016
Joe Allen send Liverpool to Wembley! #carlingcup #lfc #ynwa #welshpirlo pic.twitter.com/2MiqxYVvlP
— h (@hanifshahimi) January 26, 2016
