Liverpool 1(3), Carlisle United 1(2): First Thoughts

Liverpool: Ings 24'  (Pens: Milner, Can, Ings)
Carlisle United: Asamoah 35' (Pens: McQueen)

• Pre-match Thoughts: A surprisingly strong lineup from the Reds. This will make the inevitable struggles against this mid-table League 2 side all the more frustrating to watch. Can't wait...

• Lots of early movement, in and around the box. Also lots of hurried shots either weak and on target, or wide of the mark entirely.
• Suspect defending as usual. I swear to Fowler if we don't keep a clean sheet my computer is going out the window.
• Kicking a corner back to your keeper? Um. Wow.
• Danny Ings finally puts Liverpool ahead with a great run and an unchallenged header from point-blank range. The cross from Adam Lallana put it on a platter for Ings. Regardless of the competition, Ings continues to look like a brilliant signing.
• There goes my computer...sigh.1-1.
• And FIrmino off from an injury. E.T.W.
• Can ends half with a "Fuck it, I'll just shoot" kind of shot. With no one making runs around him can you blame him?

• Halftime Thoughts: First a note about the away supporter: 6,000 made the trip and they went nuts when that equalizer went in. Great support for such a small club. As for the very, very big club in Red? If your name isn't Danny Ings then you need to step your game up. Liverpool were wasteful in the attacking third, either too impatient in build up play, or taking low percentage shots from outside the box. We have to do better than this, regardless of competition. When Carlisle countered, they were dangerous almost every time. 1-1 is not completely unfair at the break.

• Is it required by law that all lower league sides must have a long throw specialist?
• You might have to stab someone to get a yellow tonight. Very lenient refereeing.
• Ings plays a through ball to Origi. Origi falls and Ings nearly gets on the end of it. I love Danny Ings.
• Liverpool seem resigned to taking this into extra time. Bold strategy, Cotton.

• Second Half Thoughts:...AAAANNND yeah, extra time. An absolutely pitiful display in the second half. There are boos as the whistle blows, and I can't blame the home fans one bit. Let's hope this somehow doesn't go to penalties. Mostly because I'm tired, and this has already gone on too long.

• Thankfully the away support is giving Anfield a bit of life. Sure, it's mostly at the expense of our players and managers, but it is technically atmosphere!
• Liverpool certainly don't seem to be in the mood to score a second goal. They haven't since beating QPR 2-1 on May 2nd, eleven competitive matches ago. Penalties feel like a sure thing at this juncture.
• Ings gets through on goal and must take a first time shot. Shoots it well over the goal, which is a shame because if anyone in red deserves a winner, it's Danny Ings.
• Lovren takes a nasty knock and is walked off on a stretcher, leg in a cast and an oxygen mask on his face. Another casualty from playing 120 minutes on a weekday night.

• Fulltime Thoughts: A horrendous performance, completely undeserving of advancing to the next round. Liverpool should never struggle against League 2 competition, especially with a full-strength squad, especially at home.

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.

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