PEPE REINA – Will be disappointed to have been beaten at his near post by Ramires’ 11th-minute strike, but was helpless with Didier Drogba’s second. Distribution was not fantastic, though his handling in general was fine.

GLEN JOHNSON – Probably Liverpool’s best performer in a woeful first half, and continued to attack with confidence and quality after the break. Ushered Salomon Kalou infield a little too readily, however, if we are being micro-critical.

MARTIN SKRTEL – Had his work cut out against an in-form Drogba, and was very much second best in the first-half battle. Could have got tighter for Drogba’s goal, but improved afterwards as the Chelsea striker’s supply dried up. Missed a good chance to equalise after taking a poor touch in the box.

DANIEL AGGER – Booked in the first half for a lunge on Jon Obi Mikel. One of few to try and get Liverpool passing with purpose, and made an important challenge to deny Kalou. Relatively untested in the second half, and used the ball well.

JOSE ENRIQUE – Endured a woeful first half, in which he routinely wasted possession and allowed Ramires to run clear with some defensive hesitancy. Improved ten-fold after the break, where his link up with Stewart Downing was prominent, but will want to forget his FA Cup final debut.

JORDAN HENDERSON – Struggled in the first half against Chelsea’s energy in midfield. A couple of misplaced passes and crosses stand out, and he has lots to do to convince Reds fans. He got better in the second half once Jay Spearing had departed, and helped Liverpool control the game.

JAY SPEARING – It was impossible not to feel for the Academy graduate as he produced an error-strewn display in the biggest game of his career. Gave away possession cheaply for Chelsea’s opener, and was too easily slipped by Frank Lampard in the run up to their second. Removed from the action for Carroll after Drogba had made it 2-0.

STEVEN GERRARD – Quiet in the first half, the skipper stepped his game up in the second but was unable to reproduce his cup final heroics, flashing some wayward volleys off target. Was on the ball a lot in the second period and, largely, used it wisely.

STEWART DOWNING – Perhaps lucky not to be substituted at half-time following a callow first-half display. But the England winger stood up in the second half. His industry led to Carroll’s goal, and he supplied quality into the box with regularity as he attacked the weak Jose Bosingwa.

CRAIG BELLAMY – Had shone in previous meetings against Chelsea this season, but the game passed him by here. Rarely given the chance to attack Ashley Cole, and his usually-reliable set-piece delivery let him down on too many occasions. Replaced by Dirk Kuyt late on.

LUIS SUAREZ – Frustrated in the first half as his team failed to support him or supply him, and his touch became wayward as a consequence. Came alive once Andy Carroll was introduced, and space opened up in front of the Chelsea back four.

SUBSTITUTES

ANDY CARROLL – Surprisingly left out of Kenny Dalglish’s line-up, the big man emerged in the aftermath of Chelsea’s second goal and played like a man possessed. Gave Liverpool hope with a superbly-taken goal, and thought he had levelled late on with a header that Petr Cech somehow clawed out, though the debate about whether it had crossed the line, and about why Carroll never started the game, will run and run.

DIRK KUYT – Introduced for Bellamy late on, but had little tangible impact.