🏆 Jota sends Liverpool into EFL Cup final | OneFootball

Liverpool will meet Chelsea in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on February 24 after beating Arsenal 2-0 thanks to a brace from Diogo Jota.

Scorers: Jota 19′, 78′.

The Gunners had made the better start out of the two sides and Alexandre Lacazette saw a free-kick from the edge of the area tipped on to the crossbar by Caoimhin Kelleher.

But it was the visitors who took the lead after 19 minutes when Jota beat three Arsenal defenders with a mazy run before his scuffed shot rolled past Aaron Ramsdale into the bottom corner.

Mikel Arteta’s side had a golden opportunity to get back into the tie at the start of the second half when Lacazette turned over from close range after some good work from Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Ibrahima Konaté hit the bar with a header before Takumi Minamino saw the ball fall to him 10 yards out in front of goal but his shot was blocked by an Arsenal defender as Liverpool looked to extend their lead.

Arsenal almost inadvertently levelled when Gabriel Martinelli’s cross-cum-shot had to be tipped over the bar by Kelleher.

But it was Jota who killed the game off with 12 minutes left after he was played through by a delightful long-range pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold before chipped the ball over the on-rushing Ramsdale.

Substitute Thomas Partey was then sent off after receiving two yellow cards with his second coming after a foul on Fabinho.

Liverpool will now play in their second EFL Cup final under Jürgen Klopp, having originally lost to Manchester City on penalties in 2016.