Jones starting to deliver on promise
Curtis Jones was only three games into his Liverpool career when, back in October 2019, his decisive penalty in the shoot-out dumped Arsenal out of the League Cup.
The midfielder has come a long way since then.
What hasn’t changed, though, is his happy knack for producing on the big occasion.
And while there wasn’t a single moment as dramatic as that spot kick, or the curling effort that did for Everton a few months later in the FA Cup, Jones was by some distance Liverpool’s most impressive overall performer as Arsenal were again sent tumbling.
Having shone on the left of the front three during a cameo from the bench in last week’s first leg, the Emirates witnessed Jones revel in a midfield position.
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As Liverpool struggled to find their feet in the opening exchanges, he was the one looking to drive Jurgen Klopp’s side forward or put in an important tackle.
Telling, too, is that he is more often choosing the right moment to put his foot on the ball, composure that will be crucial in the engine room.
And with Fabinho taking a while to get going and Jordan Henderson again enduring an evening of struggle, Jones was the one to assume responsibility throughout.
To think he only turns 21 next week, Liverpool merely scratching the surface of a potential that has always been evident during his time at Kirkby.
Whatever Klopp said in those talks with Jones last week, it clearly has made an impact.
Kelleher deserves Wembley chance
It didn’t take long for Caoimhin Kelleher to justify the faith shown in him by Jurgen Klopp.
Barely a few minutes were on the clock when Arsenal were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area in a central position.
At first it appeared Alexandre Lacazette had struck the crossbar with his curling effort, only for replays to reveal a decisive fingertip from Kelleher diverted the shot on to the woodwork.
While, in terms of serious saves, the Liverpool goalkeeper was only further tested by a speculative near-post effort from Arsenal dangerman Gabriel Martinelli in the second half, what impressed was his composure, both in dealing with the Gunners’ aerial threat and with pressure the home side put on when the ball at his feet.
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There had been speculation Alisson Becker, who featured in the first leg with Klopp looking to give him minutes, would retain his place.
Kelleher, though, is first choice in this competition. And he will surely be between the sticks for the final next month.
Few could quibble he doesn’t deserve it.
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From clean sheets here and at Norwich City through to his penalty shoot-out heroics against Leicester City in the quarter-finals, Kelleher has contributed as much as anyone in Liverpool being one step away from another piece of silverware.
Gordon shows more promise
Andy Robertson knew exactly what was required.
As the Liverpool players gathered for the final huddle of their pre-match preparations, the left-back put a strong arm around Kaide Gordon before motioning for the youngster to keep his mind focused on what was to come.
Gordon, though, has shown little sign of being fazed during a Reds career that continues to accelerate at an astonishing rate.
Having marked only his second start for the club by becoming Liverpool’s third-youngest goalscorer – and youngest in the FA Cup – in the win over Shrewsbury Town earlier this month, the 17-year-old has already started seeping into the consciousness of those who pay more than a passing interest in the Reds’ Academy.
Robertson, however, may have been better served giving his team-mates a tap on the head, given the succession of horrible first-half passes to Gordon that left the teenager needing to produce heroics merely to control the ball.
Small wonder, then, that he wasn’t decisive enough when a chance finally fell his way shortly after half-time, firing over after great work by Diogo Jota. He will learn.
Gordon was substituted shortly after the hour. But this was another notable night in an exciting young career.
