PLAYER RATINGS: ARSENAL 0-2 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool sealed their place in the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 win away at Arsenal. Two clinical strikes by Diogo Jota gave the Reds the win in what was a thoroughly professional performance away from home. Read on for player ratings from the encounter.

Kelleher – 7.5

Magnificent save from Lacazette’s free kick early on to tip it on to the crossbar. Played his role as sweeper very well and was so comfortable in possession in the face of Arsenal’s press. A well deserved clean sheet. Didn’t have any save to make second half.

Alexander-Arnold – 9

Targeted early on with Martinelli running at him at every chance but he dealt well with it. Grew into the game and started popping up in dangerous areas. When he did, his delivery was always dangerous. Another two assists tonight and he could have had more. His pass for Jota’s second goal was phenomenal. Unbelievable talent.

Matip – 6.5

Gave the ball away in dangerous areas twice but was lucky to get away with it. Was otherwise solid. Won some huge headers when defending set pieces. Tapped home a header at the back post but was just offside. Taken off at halftime. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.

Van Dijk – 7.5

Lost the ball trying to dribble up the pitch early on. Quickly cut that out and settled to have a customary solid performance. One crucial interception on an underhit Odegaard pass prevented a 4 on 2 counter attack.

Robertson – 9.5

Won his battle with Bukayo Saka after a torrid first leg. Kept him quiet and still had time to bomb on and get involved in attack. Was unlucky not to score on what was his 200th appearance for the club when he stole infront of Saka but sent a dipping shot just wide of the post. His energy levels are insane to keep bombing up and down the wing like that.

Fabinho – 8.5

The Brazilian saved his team with a perfectly timed last ditch tackle in the box when Martinelli looked set to shoot at goal from a few yards out. Fabinho patrolled the midfield well, broke forward at times and generally bossed proceedings. As the game wore on second half, he went into beast mode, winning back the ball almost everytime Arsenal tried to break.

Henderson – 7.5

Another who was solid on the night. Worked ever so hard to press the Arsenal backline and midfield. Supported Trent well and generally kept things ticking over. Didn’t see too much of the ball but when he did, he maintained possession. He’s been really good last two games. Tired and was given a breather late on, right after some excellent defensive work on Martinelli in the right back position.

Jones – 9

The young Scouser’s ball retention is amazing. Even in tight spaces with two Arsenal shirts round him he still managed to keep possession. Lovely ball control and a very mature performance on the left of midfield in helping Robbo out defensively and supporting Jota in attack. He still takes too long on the ball at times but his decision making will improve as he grows. Cut in and sent a shot just wide second half.

Gordon – 6.5

The youngster pressed so well and worked real hard to not let Trent be isolated one on one against Martinelli. It was a very mature performance from the 17 year old. His movement in attack was smart too and he should have scored when Jota pulled the ball back to him in the box. Gordon was unlucky not to connect with Trent’s teasing delivery second half too but all in all a very matured display.

Firmino – 7

Pressed hard and worked his socks off. Provided a filthy flick in the buildup to the first goal. That flick opened up the Arsenal defence and afforded Trent freedom in the half space. Bobby visibly tired as the game wore on and was given a well deserved breather.

Jota – 9.5

Two chances, two goals. That’s the story of Jota’s night and the story of his Liverpool career so far. When Trent found him on the left wing for the first goal, he still had a lot to do. He cut inside Tomiyasu brilliantly and sent the covering defenders and goalkeeper one way whilst sending the ball in the opposite direction.

The second was even better as he chested down Trent’s long ball and got infront of White, before lifting it over the onrushing Ramsdale. His movement to stay onside showed his predatory instincts. Match winner tonight, as he proved he’s adept at playing off the left as he is playing through the middle.

Substitutes

Konaté – 7

Almost made it 2-0 with a powerful header from a corner but it came off the post. Slotted in well for Matip and didn’t look out of place. Took one for the team when he pulled Lacazette back to halt a counter.

Minamino – 7

Got on the end of a chance but his shot after chesting the ball down was blocked on the line. He didn’t look out of position considering he’s not a right winger by trade. Fit in well, pressed well, won the ball back loads and kept posing a threat down that side.

Milner – 7

Just the man you need when you want to protect a lead. It was a surprise he didn’t pick up a booking as he looked like he was going to slide in every time Saka or Martinelli tried to get away from him.

Williams – N/A

On to play on the right wing late on.

Jürgen Klopp

Made the bold choice of handing Kaide Gordon a start over Minamino. Also put Kelleher in ahead of Alisson. Both decisions were justified with two accomplished performances. His timing with substitutions was spot on and the personnel he chose also made sense. He’s led the club into yet another final.