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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: 6 talking points as Diogo Jota's brace sends Reds onto Wembley

Liverpool have marched into their first domestic cup final since 2016 after two Diogo Jota goals earned them a victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

The visitors saw Joel Matip's goal disallowed early on after straying marginally offside following a corner, but soon had the lead when Jota fired them in front just 19 minutes in.

Jota drove in from the left flank, past two Arsenal defenders before shooting low beyond Aaron Ramsdale in the Gunners' goal to put Liverpool in control.

Alexandre Lacazette then missed a glorious chance to pull Arsenal level after the break, before Liverpool youngster Kaide Gordon blazed over from just yards out and Ibrahima Konate headed against the post.

Arsenal then put Liverpool under pressure as they went in search of an equaliser, but left space in behind for Trent Alexander-Arnold's stunning pass to pick out Jota to finish off his second and put the tie to bed before Arsenal's Thomas Partey was then sent off late on.

Here are the talking points from the Emirates Stadium.

1. Un-Jotable

Diogo Jota fires home the opening goal to put Liverpool ahead (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who will win the Carabao Cup final? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

With Liverpool still without Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in attack, much of the goalscoring expectations weighted on Diogo Jota's shoulders.

And the Portuguese forward duly stepped up to the plate for his side, bagging two hugely important goals.

With Roberto Firmino dropping deep to link-up play, it was a surprise to see Alexander-Arnold both so high up and so central for Liverpool's opener when their defence were still almost on their 18-yard line.

Arsenal had enough men back to deal with the danger, but once Jota received the ball from his teammate and skipped inside Takehiro Tomiyasu, you sensed there would be only one outcome.

It was a similar scenario when Jota got in for Liverpool's second, showing his cool to lift the ball over Ramsdale and settle the tie - albeit after a VAR review.

That says a lot about the confidence Jota is brimming with at the moment and he was Liverpool's dangerman all night, showing there may be life after Salah and Mane yet.

2. Liverpool's defensive line

Liverpool stifled Arsenal and reduced them to few chances (AFP via Getty Images)

Much has been made in the past of Liverpool's defensive line often being unreasonably high - particularly if they've made a rare mistake.

But the Reds still persist with leaving plenty of room behind them, and this was a good exhibition as to why.

Mikel Arteta went with an attacking lineup, but Liverpool's defenders were happy to match them in what was effectively a 4 v 4 across the pitch.

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Martinelli and Saka were always something to be wary of on the flanks, along with Smith Rowe in the hole, but the Gunners struggled to get in the danger zones behind Liverpool's defence and their attacks tended to fizzle out before they'd really got going.

As a result, Liverpool often won back possession and were able to keep it for sustained periods, essentially causing Arsenal to bide their time and wait for counter attacks, which were then snuffed out.

Only one lapse in concentration handed Arsenal a lifeline, which Lacazette failed to take advantage of, and served as a reminder of the risk Liverpool run.

But on the whole, the pros far outweigh the cons.

3. Vital Fabinho

Fabinho tackles Gabriel Martinelli to stop him going through on goal (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

You almost run out of superlatives to praise Liverpool's midfield enforcer, who was again sublime in the middle of the park.

The Brazilian seemed to be everywhere when his side were out of possession, breaking up play, and forcing Arsenal's players into errors, while dictating the tempo when they had won it back.

A perfectly-timed tackle on Gabriel Martinelli was a fine demonstration of his importance, chasing back to nick the ball off the striker's toes when he was through on goal.

He was the difference between the sides in midfield, and the type of player Arsenal - who left Thomas Partey on the bench before his red card - were missing.

4. Laca accuracy

Alexandre Lacazette spurns a shot over the bar after breaching Liverpool's back line (IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)

After spending a good portion of the first half chasing shadows, Arsenal emerged for the second half with renewed vigour, and could have been level soon after were it not for Lacazette's poor miss.

The Frenchman broke Liverpool's defensive line superbly to latch onto a clever chipped through ball, but he completely squandered the opportunity.

Had he scored, the tide could have swung well in Arsenal's favour.

Liverpool could have immediately punished them had Gordon not skied his own effort moments later, but eventually it didn't matter as Jota sealed their win.

Both sides had their moments, but it was Lacazette left cursing the chance he should have buried. Who knows where the tie would have gone from there.

5. Martinelli the spark

Gabriel Martinelli was in fine form for Arsenal (IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal fans sing enthusiastically about how they've got "Saka and Emile Smith Rowe", but they should try and think of a new tune to get Martinelli's name into the mix.

The forward's trickery bamboozled Liverpool's defenders and gave them a real test down the right flank.

His tussle with Alexander-Arnold was a joy to behold, with both players flying forward with purpose.

As it happened Martinelli's spark was not enough to ignite Arsenal into finding an equaliser, but it's safe to say he's a big part of their future.

6. Arsenal's 12th man

Mikel Arteta called on the fans to get behind Arsenal and his request was heard (IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)

In the build-up to the game, Arteta called upon Arsenal's fans to create another roaring atmosphere like they have done so this season - and they were in full voice for the semi-final showdown.

Liverpool were subject to an intense and hostile home crowd and you could tell it rattled the Reds' cages in the opening stages as Arsenal swarmed in packs putting their opponents under pressure.

It's not the Merseysiders' first rodeo, though, and they soon got on top of the game and made their dominance count, but Arteta will be buoyed by the direction his club are beginning to go in.

The Emirates has been a hub of toxicity at times previously, but Arteta's young team have given the fans something to get behind, and you feel this won't be the last time they are battling it out on the big nights.

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