Chelsea v Liverpool FA Cup Final - Agony again for the Blues. Our take on how the players fared

Chelsea came up short at Wembley’s end of season showpiece for the third year running – beaten 6-5 in a shootout after they had played out a 0-0 draw after extra time.

It was a repeat of the agony experienced in February, when Kepa’s miss from the shootout after another 0-0 draw meant the League Cup final was also lost.

For Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount, it was their turn to experience the torment of failing to convert from the spot.

The Spaniard hit the outside of a post, while Mount had his effort blocked by Alisson, rendering Edouard Mendy’s save of a Sadio Mane kick irrelevant.

It means the Blues end the season without a domestic trophy or the Champions League that they won last year, and with perhaps some summer inquests about why they fell short.

Thomas Tuchel’s men created some great chances at the start of the second half, but could have few complaints overall, as the Reds were the better side for most of the afternoon.

Here we asses how the players did at Wembley.

Edouard Mendy: 7

Crucial save early on to deny Luis Diaz after the Colombian had been freed by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Was relieved to see several shots whizzing past him were off target. Post came to his rescue a couple of times in the second half too. Fine penalty save to deny Mane in the shoot-out was not quite enough.

Trevoh Chalobah: 6

Had to survive a torrid early examination from the fleet-footed Diaz but grew into the game, just about managing to keep his composure as the dazzling winger ran riot. Made way for Azpilicueta at the start of the second period of extra time.

Thiago Silva: 7

A typically dependable marshal for the back three. Never looked flustered, apart from early on when he took a slight knock in breaking up an attack and needed a bit of magic-sponge treatment. Flicked near-post header went over during the added 30 minutes.

Antonio Rudiger: 6

His afternoon became easier on 34 minutes when Mo Salah had to come off injured. A more disciplined approach than normal as he reigned in his forward-venturing instincts. Vital challenge to stop a Mane break in extra time. He will be missed next season, assuming his move away goes ahead.

Reece James: 7

Another show of strength, maturity and reliability. Tracked back well to support Chalobah in moments of danger. Booked for a late tackle on Thiago Alcantara. Thrives on the big stage and very cool with his spot-kick in the shoot out.

Jorginho: 6

Took an early blow to the face from Salah’s attempted cross. Another of those performances where you hardly notice him. Good at blocking spaces but not able to get on the front foot much.

Mateo Kovacic: 6

Thomas Tuchel gambled on the Croatian’s damaged ankle being up for the occasion. Lasted an hour before he made way for N’Golo Kante. Played his part defensively but not as prominent as usual going forward.

Marcos Alonso: 8

Arguably Chelsea’s most dangerous player. Bent a free-kick straight into the arms of Alisson, and denied by the Brazilian’s brilliant smother when he bore down on goal. Fired an angled drive inches wide of the far post after an aggressive restart from the Blues. Rattled the top of the crossbar from a set piece moments later.

Mason Mount: 6

Set up a couple of promising attacks in the first half but faded disappointingly as Chelsea came under increasing pressure. That said, clipped a dipper just over the bar in extra time. Fatefully missed spot kick in the shootout.

Christian Pulisic: 5

Spurned a glorious chance after 23 minutes after being picked out in the box by Mount, sliding the ball agonisingly wide. Set up Alonso for a chance with a fine pass on 28 minutes. Forced a save from Alisson at the start of the second half and drilled another James cut-back wide. Ruben Lotus-Cheek replaced him on 105 minutes.

Romelu Lukaku: 4

Cut an isolated figure for most of the time. Struggled to get the better of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. Did get ahead of the Dutchman to shoot over at the end of the first half but largely anonymous. Made way for Hakim Ziyech with five minutes to play.

N’Golo Kante: 6

Initially wasn’t quite at the pace of the game after coming on as sub. Not able to influence in the way he has done in the past.

Hakim Ziyech: 6

Got into some promising positions, but unable to quite deliver the killer pass Tuchel was after.

Rudiger bombshell here

Azpi's thoughts on final defeat here