Liverpool welcomed Arsenal at Anfield earlier tonight as they focused on securing a good result following a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The Reds made a slow start to the game but managed to get their noses ahead in the 19th minute courtesy of Diogo Jota’s wonderful run and finish. Jurgen Klopp’s men controlled the game well and went into the half-time break 1-0 to the good.
It was a similar story in the second half as the Merseyside outfit dictated the flow of the game. It was Jota who struck again in the 77th minute as he beat Aaron Ramsdale with a great finish. The contest ended with Liverpool earning a date with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final after coming away with an impressive 2-0 win from North London.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the match against the Gunners.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – 8/10
The Liverpool keeper made a couple of excellent saves during the game and secured an impressive clean sheet away from home.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8.5/10
He had some problems dealing with Gabriel Martinelli’s pace in the early stages of the match. However, the English defender recovered well and set up both of Jota’s goals to win the game for the Reds.
CB: Joel Matip – 7/10
Matip had a couple of nervy moments in the game but did enough to keep Arsenal frustrated during his time on the field.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5/10
The Dutch defender had a comfortable game at the back and earned a well-deserved clean sheet tonight.
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LB: Andrew Robertson – 8/10
The Scottish full-back ran his socks off down the left flank and made several inviting chances for his teammates to score. He also had a few strikes at goal himself and kept Bukayo Saka in his back pocket for most of the game.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10
Henderson pressed the opposition well but lacked quality on the ball. Still, he kept possession moving quite well before his substitution in the 74th minute.
CM: Fabinho – 8/10
The Brazilian midfielder anchored the midfield with conviction as he broke up many Arsenal attacks to keep them at bay during the 90 minutes.
CM: Curtis Jones – 7/10
Jones showed a lot of quality on the ball and dictated the tempo of the game relatively well from midfield.
RW: Kai Gordon – 6/10
The youngster kept the ball moving with conviction but wasted a glorious chance to find the back of the net.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Like always, the Brazilian attacker’s link-up play was excellent with others around him. However, he failed to register a goal.
LW: Diogo Jota – 9.5/10
The Portugal international produced a sensational, man-of-the-match-worthy performance tonight. He scored two great goals with two brilliant finishes to cap off a fine win for Liverpool at the Emirates.
Substitutes:
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 7/10
Konate did what was required of him defensively in the second half and will be happy with the clean sheet.
RW: Takumi Minamino – 7/10
He caused a few problems for the opposition but failed to convert a good chance late in the game.
CM: James Milner – 6.5/10
Milner added some bite and steel to Klopp’s midfield.
RW: Neco Williams – N/A
He hardly had any time to influence the game.
