Liverpool book their place at Wembley after Diogo Jota’s brace

Jurgen Klopp will be taking his side to Wembley to play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2016.

A brace from Diogo Jota with a superb solo goal in the first half and a lovely dink over Aaron Ramsdale in the second half was enough for Liverpool to get to their 13^th League Cup final.

In 2016 when Liverpool were last in the final of this competition they lost on penalties against Manchester City.

2012 was the last time The Reds won the competition after beating Cardiff City on penalties when Anthony Gerrard, the cousin of Steven Gerrard, missed the decisive penalty.

After failing to beat Arsenal in the first leg at Anfield it was a professional away performance to overcome Mikel Arteta’s Gunners who will now be unable to win a trophy this season having already been knocked out by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

Liverpool are still fighting in all four competitions but the Premier League title could be one step too far at this point with Manchester City running clear as they are 11 points clear.

A trip to Wembley awaits on the 27^th February for the red half of Merseyside!

Player ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher: 8

Vitally saved an early free kick from Alexandre Lacazette tipping it onto the bar. Didn’t have much to do after that but looked as assured as ever showing experience beyond his years. Deserves to start the final.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 9

His first assist showed what he could be capable when in a midfield role as he found space in between the lines to find Jota. The second assist was an immaculate pass over the top to find the Portuguese international yet again. 18 assist already this season in all competitions.

Joel Matip: 5

A couple of important defensive headers from corners early on. Lost the ball a couple of times playing out from the back which is not like him. Was substituted at half-time.

Virgil Van Dijk: 7

Calming and authoritative prescence was evident throughout. Passing range was on show yet again.

Andy Robertson: 7

Tireless up and down the left-hand side. Done an outstanding defensive job against Bukayo Saka. Came ever so close to scoring in the 77^th minute as his effort went just past the right post.

Fabinho: 8

Incredible last gasp tackle in the 28^th minute to stop Gabriel Martinelli from getting a shot at Kelleher’s goal. Dominated the midfield by himself from the first minute.

Jordan Henderson: 5.5

Kept the shape of the midfield well and helped keep Martin Odegaard quiet. Didn’t make too much impact in the final third.

Curtis Jones: 6.5

Was excellent in the first half on the ball driving at Arsenal. A creative spark in the midfield has been what Liverpool have arguably been missing and he made a important difference at The Emirates.

Kaide Gordon: 5

Huge game for the 17-year-old and he should have had his name on the scoresheet. Set up by Jota blazed the chance over the bar. Impressed considering the magnitude of the fixture.

Roberto Firmino: 6.5

Lovely flick in the build-up for the first goal. Constantly dropping into the half space to create space for Jota throughout.

Diogo Jota: 10

The Solo goal in the first half was magnificent as he turned Takehiro Tomiyasu inside out before making a fool of Ramsdale. Should have had an assist as he made got past Ben White down the left with ease before pulling it back for Gordon. His second goal was arguably even better then the first as he took the pass down beautifully and clipped the ball over Ramsdale with aplomb. Stepped up when Liverpool needed it the most.

Substitutes:

Ibrahim Konate (Joel Matip 46): 5

Came so close to scoring as he hit post from a corner. Looked a bit shaky on the ball like Matip

Takumi Minamino (Kaide Gordon 63): 4

Had a chance to score the second which was blocked on the line. Helped out Alexander-Arnold defensively.

James Milner (Jordan Henderson 75): 4

Helped see out the game.

Neco Williams (Roberto Firmino 84): N/ANot enough time to make an impact, the game was already won.

Liverpool book their place at Wembley after Diogo Jota’s brace knocks out Arsenal

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