Lallana senses an FA Cup chance for LFC
Liverpool are in with a genuine chance of FA Cup success no matter who remains in the competition insisted Saturday's match-winner, Adam Lallana.
The Englishman's instincts proved pivotal against Crystal Palace as he reacted quickest from a free-kick rebound to convert from close range and seal a 2-1 win.
His strike sealed a significant turnaround for the Reds at Selhurst Park after falling behind to a Fraizer Campbell finish just a quarter-of-an-hour into the tie.
Daniel Sturridge had expertly volleyed Brendan Rodgers' side level in the second half, before Lallana pounced on a Julian Speroni parry from Mario Balotelli's free-kick.
The Liverpool attacker's effort was stubbornly preserved in the remaining time to book a quarter-final berth in the tournament that is wide open.
"Regardless of who is in it, we feel we have got a good chance," Lallana told beIN SPORTS. "We'll just prepare for whoever is in our way in the next round and go into the game looking to get the win.
"We knew we were going to have to be patient. We came here a few months ago and were in a completely different place to where we are now.
"We were still confident at half-time. We created a lot of chances in the first half, we just weren't ruthless enough. Mario came on for an extra presence up front.
"We got two reasonably early goals in the second half and dug in well at the end. We thoroughly deserve our place in the next round.
"It's a very difficult place, credit to the fans - the ground was bouncing before the game and especially when they got their goal. We did well to nullify them to very few chances. We're delighted we're in the next round."
Four days after notching a crucial winner past Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Premier League, Balotelli made a game-changing contribution once more.
Having drawn a foul at the edge of the area, it was the Italian's powerful, swerving set-piece that bamboozled Speroni and set up Lallana to capitalise.
"He hits it with a technique which is difficult for the 'keeper to collect," said the goalscorer. "I gambled that he was going to parry it and just put it in. So I was delighted."