Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, with Diogo Jota scoring a brace to give the Reds the points.
A source close to Anfield Central claims that Liverpool’s medical staff urged Jurgen Klopp to start Jota from the bench after the Portuguese star returned from the international break with swelling on his knee.
After his posterior cruciate ligament was damaged against Midtjylland in December, resulting in an 18-game absence, Liverpool are doing everything they can to ensure the forward they signed for £45million remains fit.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Diogo Jota of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 24, 2021 in Kirkby, England. PHOTO BY ANDREW POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
We reported on Saturday afternoon that Jota was set to start barring any failed fitness checks but Liverpool’s late decision to leave him on the bench as a precaution paid off in a big way as he came on from the bench to turn the game around for the Merseyside outfit.
The in-form forward powered a header home just three minutes after his introduction from the bench.
He then scored again 18 minutes later to take his tally for the last four games for club and country to six goals.
Liverpool are over the moon with the way Jota has been performing. Most impressive is his ability to return from injury and hit the ground running – Daniel Sturridge used to be the same.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: Diogo Jota of Liverpool scores their team’s first goal under pressure from Rob Holding and Calum Chambers of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on April 03, 2021 in London, England. Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.
The win over Arsenal was a huge boost to Liverpool’s hopes of ending the season in the top four after Chelsea slumped to a shock 5-2 defeat against West Brom at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds’ win takes them to within two points of top four and while Spurs and West Ham play today and tomorrow respectively, Klopp’s men will feel encouraged about their chances of securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.
