Liverpool fell at the final hurdle as we failed to complete a domestic cup double, with Chelsea getting revenge for what Jose Mourinho calls the 'ghost goal' in the European Cup Semi Final 7 years ago.
Liverpool's third trip to Wembley in as many months was a game too many in the competition for the reds, as a midfield error sent Chelsea on their way. Didier Drogba doubled the lead for Chelsea, before the Liverpool fightback began primarily thanks to Andy Carroll.
The much maligned striker scored the reds first goal and heaped controversy on the officials when he thought he had scored the equaliser, but it was ruled out by the referee and his assistant.
It was Chelsea who got the early goal in the game - and Liverpool's faces were as red as their shirts.
Jay Spearing gave away the ball in midfield and Jose Enrique failed to track Ramires effectively. To compound the misery, Pepe Reina let a relatively weak shot inside his near post as Chelsea went 1 up.
Chelsea were far from impressive, but they didn't need to be as Liverpool's midfield and Downing and Bellamy failed to offer enough support to Suarez up front. Gerrard too looked a shadow of his former self despite playing in a more advanced role ahead of Henderson and Spearing.
The only other chance of significance fell to Bellamy but Ivanovic blocked the shot.
Seven minutes in to the second half and the reds task was made doubly difficult.
Lampard went past Spearing with ease and found Drogba. The Ivorian sent an angled shot through Skrtel's legs and past Reina in to the far corner.
Liverpool were fired out of their slumber. A combination of the second goal and the switch to 4-4-2 as Carroll replaced Spearing.
The reds number 9 dominated the rest of the game and gave the reds a glimmer of hope with his 64th minute goal.
Twisting and turning John Terry he fired an exquisite drive in to the roof of the net.
Carroll and Suarez began to combine to create more opportunities for the reds and with 8 minutes left Carroll rose to head goalbound. Cech scrambled the ball but Carroll was away and celebrating.
The referee and assistant elected not to give the goal and despite TV stations showing replay after replay there was little decisiveness either way.
Liverpool continued to press in to the 5th minute of injury time but they had left it too late and Chelsea secured the FA Cup.
Next up for Liverpool - Chelsea at home.