The absence of Salah and Mane was not a problem for Liverpool as Diogo Jota stood in the gap to lead them past Arsenal. Liverpool did well to come back from their first leg goalless, they beat 10 men Arsenal to book their final ticket with Chelsea who beat Tottenham weeks ago. Diogo Jota scored in both halves as Liverpool won 2-0.
Diogo Jota’s Brace Send Liverpool to Carabao Cup Final
Diogo Jota brilliantly filled the gaps left by Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane who are away representing their country in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. The semi-final first leg at Anfield but there were no such complaints here, with Jota the match-winner. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player who is seen as the safety net behind the big three of Roberto Firmino, Mane and Salah did not prove wrong when the club needed him.
![Diogo Jota Scores Two As Reds Beat 10-Man Arsenal Diogo Jota Scores Two As Reds Beat 10-Man Arsenal](https://everyevery.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Diogo-Jotas-Brace-Send-Liverpool-to-Carabao-Cup-Final--1024x573.webp)
Speaking about his performance Klopp said: “Mentality mixed with quality is the reason we signed him. Of course, he scored two goals, he is incredibly important to us, so it is that mix of his skills that is exciting. He is in good shape as well, and long may it continue.” His first goal carried a little good fortune as the shot was half-hit, but the driving run that set it up was a sign of his threat.
He scored the second in the second half and the goal was a masterpiece of clinical composure, lifting the ball over Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale, with VAR confirming that the timing of his run on to Alexander-Arnold’s pass was perfection. Arsenal playmaker Thomas Partey who arrived from AFCON after his side Ghana suffered an early knockout from the competition to collect the last-minute red card.