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Jason Cummings’ double from the bench saw the League One outfit draw with the European champions.
After today saw the mauling of lower league clubs by English and global super-clubs, many wondered whether the same scenario would repeat at New Meadow with World Champions Liverpool in town.
Their hosts, Shrewsbury Town, defeated Bristol City with a wonder strike from Grenadian Aaron Pierre in the dying seconds to secure the tie.
Liverpool won their place with their well documented victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton – whilst mainly featuring academy graduates.
The first chance of real substance came for the overwhelming favourites, after clever build-up from Fabinho and Takumi Minamino saw Divock Origi’s effort peter wide.
Fifteen minutes had passed before Liverpool took the lead. A perfectly timed and picked out through ball from Spaniard Pedro Chirivella saw the third round hero Curtis Jones slot past Max O’Leary – two in two for the youngster.
With that goal, Jones became Liverpool’s joint top-scorer in the FA Cup under Jurgen Klopp, levelling with Divock Origi (two)
The recurring theme of the game was Shrewsbury’s long balls resulting in an offside call – therefore the Premier League leaders maintained possession.
A perfectly timed run from Shaun Whalley had the biggest moment of the half so far, running one on one behind Liverpool’s stand-in skipper Dejan Lovren only for the outstretched leg of Adrian.
Shrewsbury’s Pierre was then involved in a potential penalty scare for the hosts after Neco Williams’ cross struck his leaning arm – which, according to the much maligned VAR, would have been enough for a Liverpool penalty.
Neco Williams was again involved down the Liverpool right, where a combination with Pedro Chirivella created an opening for Minamino, who eventually blazed over.
Poor discipline from Joel Matip and Williams though allowed Whalley another chance – this time though he shot past Adrian, and past the post unfortunately for the home side.
The second half began in the worst manner possible for the hosts. Former Manchester United and Sunderland man Donald Love watched a cross from the Liverpool right on to his right foot – but his attempted effort to pass into the stand ended in the back of O’Leary’s net.
Not something anyone wants to see, but Jurgen Klopp would take it with open arms. 2-0 Liverpool.
Liverpool continued to dominate the ball, but the triad of Adrian, Lovren and Joel Matip didn’t convince in terms of controlling and passing crisply.
And the skipper again stood up in the Reds high line far too late. Callum Lang again faced one-on-one with Liverpool’s number 13 but once again Adrian tipped wide.
Matip then carelessly gave the ball away to former Reds trialist Josh Laurent, who again shot wide. Dave Edwards’ header rose high over the bar a minute later.
Laurent again was involved and this time it would prove better luck for the hosts. He dashed through and young fullback Yacer Larouci made contact outside of the area.
However, without the assistance of VAR, a penalty was awarded. Jason Cummings, formerly of Nottingham Forest, slotted home to bring them right back into the cup tie.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain then replaced Harvey Elliott, in probably the teenager’s quietest appearance in a Red shirt – the former Fulham man thrives with the ball at his feet and was certainly not utilised in this fashion.
But then came the eruption. Dejan Lovren, captaining the side, was turned by Cummings who once again showed perfect composure to slot past Adrian. Wow. What a recovery from Sam Ricketts’ men, and the World and European champions were shocked by the Scot.
The emergency measures had to be taken for Jurgen Klopp. Mohamed Salah replaced Joel Matip in a change of shape for the Reds. Roberto Firmino also replaced new boy Takumi Minamino.
Contention once again occurred in the Liverpool box, with the ball striking Fabinho’s arm. Again, what would VAR have made of that?
Minutes remained and Laurent tested Adrian, but that would be the final act of accordance in the game. What a wonderful result for Shrewsbury Town and they will visit Anfield in the coming future.
Stonadge’s MAN OF THE MATCH: Jason Cummings
Who else could it be? The former Hibernian man truly made an impact when his club needed him most.
Not only his two goals, but his hold up play and testing of Adrian throughout the entirety of his spell on the pitch were more than worthy of winning the match, let alone drawing it.
It was a fabulous performance from the Scot and he surely has earned himself an Anfield start!
Team Lineups
Shrewsbury: O’Leary; Love, Ebanks-Landell, Williams, Pierre, Golbourne; Norburn (Edwards 28), Goss; Laurent, Whalley, Lang (Cummings 58)
Unused Substitutes: Murphy, Beckles, Walker, Udoh, Hart
Liverpool: Adrian; Williams, Lovren, Matip (Salah 79), Larouci; Fabinho, Jones, Chirivella; Minamino (Firmino 85) , Origi, Elliott (Oxlade-Chamberlain 71)
Unused substitutes: Kelleher, Hoever, Alexander-Arnold, Keita, Salah, Firmino
