FA Cup final: Chelsea v Liverpool - in pictures

Liverpool fans gather along outside Wembley ahead of the 5.15pm kick-off ... victory today would earn them a domestic cup double Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Safe to say Andy Carroll will drink a barrel-full (probably straight from the trophy) if he can help Liverpool to victory today Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Here's Stevie G - bobbing along Wembley Way. Liverpool's captain almost joined the Blues several summers back, of course. But where are all the Chelsea fans? Photograph: guardian.co.uk

There's one. Replete with wig and sponge fingers. Can't help but feel the guy behind is trying to overshadow him with that Liverpool banner Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The dividing lines are set as the fans reach the stadium's turnstiles Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Inside the stadium, there's some bizarre entertainment. They don't normally have this kind of polava at the FA Cup final Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The teams line up before kick-off. Chelsea's captain John Terry shakes the hand of the FA's David Bernstein - yep, that's right, the same David Bernstein who dismissed him as England captain Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The national anthem is sung, but greeted with whistles from large swathes of the crowd Photograph: guardian.co.uk

As the pre-match antics conclude, Dalglish appears to have tears in his eyes Photograph: guardian.co.uk

He's definitely crying Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Despite his improved form of late, ex Liverpool striker Fernando Torres finds himself lumbered on the bench for Chelsea once more Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The game gets underway Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Didier Drogba is causing the Reds a few problems Photograph: guardian.co.uk

In the 11th minute, Chelsea's Ramires bursts down the right flank and exposes Enrique's lack of pace Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Ramires reaches the edge of the box and fires at goal ... Photograph: guardian.co.uk

... and Pepe Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper, is beaten down at his near post. 1-0 to Chelsea Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The players celebrate their early lead Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Liverpool's response to the goal is swift but ultimately ineffective. A period of ten minutes in which they dominate possession ends without a real threat at Chelsea's goal Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Chelsea begin to probe for a second goal Photograph: guardian.co.uk

But Martin Skrtel is keeping a close watch on Drogba. 1-0 at half-time Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Di Matteo and Dalglish patrol the touchline in the second half Photograph: guardian.co.uk

In the 52nd minute, Frank Lampard slides a pass to Drogba on the edge of the box, who strikes the ball through Skrtel's legs and into the far corner of Reina's net. 2-0 to Chelsea Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Andy Carroll comes on as a substitute for Liverpool and receives the ball deep inside the box Photograph: guardian.co.uk

He nimbly turns Terry back to front and then leathers a shot at goal ... out of nowhere it's 2-1! Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Carroll runs off in joyous celebration Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Liverpool hurtle forwards in search of an equaliser Photograph: guardian.co.uk

With every attack they seem to get closer until, just after the hour mark, Carroll powers a header at the Chelsea goal ... Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Petr Cech claws it onto the bar but Carroll is convinced it had already crossed the line. Replays suggest it's a mesmeric save - the ball was only an inch from fully crossing the line before Cech turned it onto the bar Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Liverpool's desperation is evident, but Chelsea are blocking everything that comes their way Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The Blues cling on to win 2-1 and their jubilant manager, Di Matteo, bursts onto the pitch as the final whistle is blown Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Chelsea's back-line has withstood an almighty attack to end the game victorious Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Gerrard looks aghast. Defeat today has ended all the debate about Liverpool's relatives success this season Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Branislav Ivanovic runs over to the crossbar which saved Chelsea and hangs from it in delight Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Stewart Downing requires consolation from his England team-mate Terry Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Fabrice Muamba greets the players as they head up to receive their winner's medals Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Terry then lifts the cup with Lampard - it's the fourth time Terry has had that honour and his fifth winner's medal Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Blue ticker tape falls from the rafters Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Dalglish is a picture of misery Photograph: guardian.co.uk

... while Di Matteo gets the bumps Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Cue the obligatory team dance around the trophy. In two week's time, these same players could be dancing around the Champions League trophy Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Terry and his team-mates look thrilled with their achievement Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Once more, Drogba's contribution at Wembley has been pivotal for Chelsea. As much as anyone in blue, he's earned that trophy for his side today Photograph: guardian.co.uk