Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish blamed his side's poor performance in the first hour for their FA Cup final defeat.
Liverpool boss says opening hour cost them
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish blamed his side's poor performance in the first hour for their FA Cup final defeat.
Chelsea started brightly and led 1-0 at the break thanks to Ramires.
Didier Drogba doubled their lead just after the break before Andy Carroll came on and scored, and gave Liverpool hope - but they could not find an equaliser.
"We played really well for the last half-hour, Andy came on, gave us a lift and scored a really good goal, they got a few blocks in and we were unlucky not to get an equaliser but we can't afford to start the game like that and give teams two goals," said Dalglish.
"They were the better side early on, then when they went 2-0 up we played something like we were capable of but we could not force a winner or extra-time, but early in the game they were better."
Dalglish was not happy with how his side defended.
"The two goals were disappointing for us, but the positive thing was the way we came back," he said.
"I think we were maybe a bit naïve, a lot of them are young it is a learning curve, but it is a sore one."
The major talking point of the game was Carroll's late header which he felt crossed the line, but Cech pushed the ball onto the bar and away with an incredible save.
Credit
Dalglish admits he did not really see it and credited the officials, if they got the decision right.
"It didn't know whether he saved it or hit the bar, if you can't tell from the hundreds of replays then I have no chance," he said.
"I thought it was in but I can't judge the officials and if they have got it right they deserve a great deal of credit."
Dalglish refused to be drawn on whether he thought the season was now a disappointment given their poor league finish.
"We will wait until we have finished our season before we pass comment."
