Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: Reds rampant as the Gunners crash out

Two goals from Diogo Jota saw Liverpool reach their first League Cup final since 2016.

The two-legged affair was full of controversy from both camps. Firstly, Liverpool got the first leg postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak in their training complex.

They were soon revealed to be false positives but in the eyes of Arsenal fans, this was blatant cheating (despite the fact that both Salah and Mane would miss both legs regardless).

Arsenal weren't shy of controversy too, but this was found on the pitch. Red cards in both legs for the Gunners saw them lose both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Match Report

The second leg started well for Arsenal. Early chances for Alexandre Lacazette and Gabrielle Martinelli showed Jurgen Klopp's men that they were well and truly up to the task. This resilience, however, wouldn't last long.

'Diogoal', as Liverpool fans affectionately call him, was back to his clinical best for the Reds tonight.

His first goal was an example of his individual brilliance. Taking the ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jota still had Takehiro Tomiyasu to beat, which he did with ease. Cutting inside, the Portuguese found his target and slotted it past Aaron Ramsdale, and gave Liverpool the lead on 19 minutes.

Liverpool began to show more and more of their dominance in the second half. Chances for Kaide Gordon and Ibrahima Konate showed that Liverpool were once again knocking on the door. It was only a matter of time before they knocked it down.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was at it again. The best right back in the world picked out Jota with ease and he was away.

An audacious chip followed, and after a VAR check, Liverpool had cemented their place at Wembley for the first time in six years.

It's Jurgen Klopp's second League Cup final. The first came back in Liverpool's previous trip to Wembley in 2016, where the Reds narrowly lost out on penalties.

Liverpool's 'monster mentality' has grown tenfold since then, and the German will be hoping that it will help his men to their first domestic trophy in ten years.

Player Ratings

Kelleher: Made saves when he needed to, but overall a quiet night for the Irishman. 7.

Alexander Arnold: Two spectacular assists. Once again showing why he's the best right back in the world. 9.

Matip: Came off at half time, but kept Arsenal at bay. 6.

Van Dijk: Only noticeable cameo came when Martinelli dribbled past him. Again a quiet evening. 6.

Robertson: Constantly bombing up and down the left hand side causing Tomiyasu issues. 8.

Fabinho: The anchor in midfield. Stopped almost every Arsenal counter attack and pressed high too. 8.

Henderson: His pressing was superb. Not quite back to his best, but definitely coming out of his bad run of form. 7.

Jones: Bossed the midfield along with Fabinho. Pressed high, won his 50/50 and was everywhere across the pitch. 8.

Gordon: Missed a big chance but his overall play was spectacular. A huge night for the 17-year-old and he certainly impressed. 8.

Firmino: Created so much space for Jota and Gordon to run into. His deep runs were sending Arsenal into a daze. 8.

Jota: A perfect performance from the Portuguese magician. Nothing more to say. He is the business. 10.