Liverpool 1-3 Swansea: Swansea dump holders Liverpool out of cup

Swansea were at their devastating counter attacking best, as they held on to beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield last night. 

Goals from Chico, Nathan Dyer and Jonathan De Guzman killed off a potential Liverpool fight back, sparked by Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

In a first half of few chances, it was Swansea who took a shock lead as Chico Flores scored a powerful header past Brad Jones from a corner.

Brendan Rodgers attempted to swing the momentum back Liverpool’s way at half time as he introduced substitutes Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

But it was Swansea who struck first in the second half as they broke forward at a blistering pace, and Nathan Dyer was on hand to tap home their second goal.

Liverpool were desperate and once again their over-reliance on Luis Suarez for goals was clear for all to see. 

Liverpool’s goal was a carbon copy of their second goal at the weekend against Everton, as Suarez met Gerrard’s precise free-kick with a glancing header.

Liverpool had hope, but not a lot else.

As the home side sent players forward in search of the equalising goal, Swansea struck when Jonathan De Guzman finished off a lightning counter attack to send Swansea into the quarter-finals.

Swansea look forward to a home tie against championship side Middlesbrough. Liverpool have to dust themselves down and pick themselves up for a home game against Newcastle in the league on Sunday.

Man of the match: Jonathan De Guzman, proving to be another top signing from La Liga for Michael Laudrup. 

Paul Jones, Football correspondent