Jurgen Klopp praised “world-class Diogo Jota” after Portugal led Liverpool to the League Cup final against Chelsea.
Jota scored twice in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Arsenal. Liverpool was on track for Wembley after Jota’s first-half strike.
He then secured their place with a late second goal in semi-final two. Klopp’s team will take on Chelsea in the final on Tuesday, February 27.
Jota’s 13th- and 14th club goals this year underlined his worth when Liverpool is without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah due to the African Cup of Nations.
“We scored two fantastic goals; Diogo Jota’s fire is on. Klopp spoke highly of the ex-Wolves player.
“Since his arrival, he’s made another step. He has become a truly world-class striker.”
Reds last won the League Cup in 2012. They are back in the final as they attempt to win the record for the ninth time.
This will be Klopp’s fifth cup final with Liverpool since he assumed charge in 2015.
It was fitting that Liverpool’s former chief executive Peter Robinson, 86, died this week.
The club reached the tournament’s final they won in 1980 under his leadership.
“The dressing room was a happy place. Klopp stated that the boys were “exceptional.”
“First half Arsenal was lively. Then we settled down and played some good football.”
It was disappointing for Arsenal after they managed to draw a 0-0 draw at Anfield last week despite GranitXhaka being sent off.
Mikel Arteta’s youth was exposed by his battle-hardened enemies, highlighting the need for improvements to revive the Gunners.
Thomas Partey’s quick dismissal at stoppage time for two bookings was a slap in the face.
“We are disappointed, but we played against a great side. Arteta stated that big moments were in both halves, and they must score.
“We had opportunities and were pushing for victory, but we must convert if we are to beat a team such as Liverpool.”
Arsenal couldn’t field a team after asking for a postponement of the Tottenham derby in north London.
Arteta returned to full strength just days after the trio of fit-again Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe, as well as Martin Odegaard.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker was replaced by Caoimhin Kelleher. Klopp quickly felt repaid with a remarkable save in the fifth minute.
Deadly Jota
Alexandre Lacazette’s free-kick was heading for the top corner, but Kelleher stepped in to tip it onto a crossbar.
Klopp’s team pushed through Arsenal’s defence and took the lead in the 19th minute.
Roberto Firmino’s deft backheel found Trent Alexander Alexander-Arnold at midfield, and his raking pass reached Jota from the left flank.
Jota cut inside to the Arsenal area and smashed past Tomiyasu. Three defenders tried to block the Portugal forward’s low shot, but they failed to stop him.
Arsenal had an excellent chance to equalize immediately after the interval.
Lacazette’s goal-scoring pass to Albert Sambi Lokonga sent Lacazette clear of goal. However, Lacazette could lift his shot just short of the goal.
Liverpool substitute Takumi Minimo had his shot blocked by Ben White in a wide-open final. Gabriel Martinelli’s rising drive caused Kelleher to stop him at the other end.
Jota won the match when he ran onto Alexander Arnold’s pass and chipped Ramsdale in 77 minutes.