Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semifinals at the Emirates as Diogo Jota scored a brilliant brace to help the Reds move forward in the tournament.
However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp heaped a lot of praise on Arsenal’s Brazilian young forward Gabriel Martinelli. The German was very impressed with the youngster and could not stop praising him. Martinelli had a good game as he kept Tren Alexander-Arnold busy down the left flank.
Speaking after the 2-0 win, Klopp said, “Martinelli by the way, everybody should remember that name because he’s an outstanding player.”
However he then expressed his delight on the win and how well his players played on the night against a very good Arsenal side. “We scored two wonderful goals. Jota, wow, on fire. It was super play.” Klopp added. For the second, I don’t think too many people in the stadium saw Jota [making the run] but Trent did.”
“We are over the moon at the moment. It was a difficult game, a difficult time for us in general. We are just happy to get through this. We tried everything to get through that. The boys made tonight against a really tough Arsenal side, it was absolutely exceptional,” said the delighted German tactician.
Klopp highlighted how important was the start of the game and how they absorbed all the pressure from the first half when Arsenal were on the attack. He then praised Jota again for scoring two great goals that helped them trump the Gunners at the Emirates.
“The start I think was so important, both times. First half Arsenal was lively, the crowd was there, we calmed it down, played good football, played in and around the formation, created plenty. The second half was pretty similar. Scored two wonderful goals. Jota is on fire. But the pass as well,” the Liverpool manager explained.
Liverpool played out the first leg at Anfield where they were held by a buoyant Arsenal side to a 0-0 draw despite Granit Xhaka getting sent off in the 24th minute. But the Reds came to Emirates with determination and a Jota masterclass have seen them win the match 2-0 to reach the finals of the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool will now face Chelsea in the finals of the Carabao Cup on the 27th of February.
