FA Cup final player rating

The Czech goalkeeper had little to do when Chelsea were in control apart from claw away a few crosses, but as the pressure grew he did well to palm Suarez's low shot around the post and then paw Carroll's header on to the post just before it crossed the line.

For the most part, Bosingwa had a quiet time of it against Downing, but lost possession far too easily at a crucial juncture for the move which led to Carroll's goal.

One of Chelsea's best players this season, the big Serb revelled in moving back to the centre of defence. Blocked Bellamy's first-half volley, but apart from that looked all too comfortable as he helped Chelsea's rearguard effort.

Led his defence so well for an hour, but the Chelsea captain was the one left bamboozled by Carroll's footwork for Liverpool's goal and struggled to handle the substitute's aerial presence too.

Extended his record haul of FA Cup winners medals to seven. Won the battle against Bellamy and England colleague Johnson, and very little came down his side even as Chelsea protected their lead late on.

The Nigerian's presence in front of the Chelsea defence is a constant reminder of Michael Essien's demise. As anonymous when Chelsea were coasting as when Liverpool were mounting their late charge. Booked.

Typically classy performance from the veteran midfielder in a more reserved role than usual. Picked out Drogba on edge of box for Chelsea's second, and helped his side keep possession as the clock ticked down.

The Spaniard's slick pass to Ramires caught Jose Enrique as it set up the opening goal. Worked hard in the hole behind Drogba, and was voted sponsors' man of the match. Subbed off on 90 minutes.

Evaded Enrique to score the opening goal. Did not have as much influence as usual on the right of the midfield three, but certainly showed why he will be missed in Munich. Subbed off on 76 minutes.

The Ivorian has started all four FA Cup matches under Roberto Di Matteo's management. One great solo run was only denied by fine challenge from Daniel Agger.

Few things are as certain in life as a goal at Wembley for Didier Drogba. His fine finish after turning inside the area meant he has scored in all eight cup appearances at the national stadium, including four FA Cup finals. Worked as hard to preserve his team's lead as he did to create it.

Played his part in resisting the waves of Liverpool attacks in the closing stages, making several clearances with no thought of finding an outlet.

Introduced mainly in order to eat up some of the five minutes of stoppage time.

Subs not used: Turnbull, Essien, Torres, Ferreira, Sturridge

The Spanish keeper admitted in a pre-match interview that he has had his worst season at Liverpool, and his invitation to Ramires to shoot for the near post was gratefully accepted by the Brazilian. Almost gifted a third to Chelsea in stoppage time with a calamitous bit of play on the edge of his box.

Had one flash of brilliance as he made a fool of auxiliary left-back Drogba to set up Bellamy's chance, but for the most part did not have a significant impact either defensively or offensively.

The Dane put in a great tackle to deny Kalou a wonder goal. His marauding run forward was one of Liverpool's brighter attacking moments in first half. Booked.

In spite of Liverpool's toils this season, the Slovakian has been much improved. He had a good duel with Drogba in the first half, but showed him too much space for what proved to be the winning goal.

Completely exposed by Mata's pass which led to Ramires scoring the opener, and in general was unable to handle the indefatigable Brazilian.

Tried to be his usual dogged self, but was no match for intelligent movement of Mata or the cool head of Lampard. Looked eager but out of his depth. Subbed off on 55 minutes.

Was a passenger in the early stages. When he did see the ball, he was at best ponderous and at worst profligate. How he lasted the whole 90 minutes says more about Liverpool's bench than the youngster's performance.

The Liverpool skipper tried his best to play the deep-lying quarter-back role, but was far too removed from the action up front where he was most needed. Showed great drive and determination, as you would expect, but did not have his usual influence on the ball.

The Welshman started on right but seemed to drift around as he pleased. He was more effective hustling without the ball than he was on the rare occasions he saw it. Had a volley blocked by Ivanovic. Subbed off on 78 minutes.

Spent much of the match chasing lost causes down the left and producing little of note, but his persistence paid off when his tackle on Bosingwa set up Carroll's goal.

The Uruguayan became increasingly frustrated in the first half as he was an isolated figure up front. He benefited greatly from Carroll's introduction and he began to find pockets of space, but ultimately could not continue his run of scoring in every one of his FA Cup appearances this season. Booked.

The striker's ungainly but effective footwork worked the space for him to rifle into roof of net and give Liverpool hope. Made his presence felt, held the ball up well and dominated in the air, typified by his headed effort which Cech kept out by a whisker.

Liverpool's ever-willing runner offered plenty of work rate but little creativity as the Reds tried in vain to find an equaliser.

Subs not used: Doni, Carroll, Maxi, Kuyt, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly