Liverpools’ Diego Jota scored twice against Arsenal in Carabao semi-final second leg to set up a final against Chelsea
By Kehinde Okeowo
Liverpool booked a ticket for their first Wembley final in six years as Diogo Jota scored a brace to set up a date with London club Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
Jota brilliantly filled the gaps left by Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are far away at the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, as he ended Arsenal’s trophy hopes for this season.
After a goalless semi-final first leg at Anfield, Arsenal started impressively with Alexandre Lacazette’s effort from the free-kick hitting the woodwork after the goalkeeper tipped it to the bar.
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Liverpool then opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Jota scored after a fine run at Arsenal rearguard before beating a scrambling Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Lacazette’s poor marksmanship denied Arsenal a chance to equalise after the break, shooting well over the bar after being put through on goal.
Liverpool had chances of their own and sealed their first final in EFL Cup since the 2016 loss to Man City when academy graduate Kaide Gordon blasted an effort over the bar from close range.
Diego Jota settled the encounter on the 77th minute after running onto Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass and lofted the ball over Ramsdale, the goal given by the Video Assistant Referee review after initially being disallowed for offside.
The Gunners’ night turned from bad to worse when Thomas Partey, on as a substitute after returning from AFCON at midday, was dismissed following the issuance of a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Fabinho.