Diogo Jota carried on his goalscoring form from the international break as he came on to inspire Liverpool to a 3-0 victory over Arsenal.
After scoring in Liverpool’s last game before the break, as well as both matches he played for Portugal after, Jota was only a substitute for the return to Premier League. However, after seeing his teammates fail to take their chances, he made an instant impact after coming on and set them on their way to victory.
James Milner captained Liverpool and had their first genuine attempt, sending the ball wide on the half-volley.
Fellow midfielder Fabinho was next to have a go, but also fired wide.
Liverpool began to show more fluidity in their attack and another chance arrived when Sadio Mane saw a header saved at the end of a team move.
Arsenal’s first real foray forward ended with Nicolas Pepe heading the ball into the welcoming gloves of Alisson after a cross from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
At the other end, Liverpool should have done better again when Milner fired wide from the centre of the box.
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With neither side breaking the deadlock by half-time, the intensity had to lift in the second half. Salah had Liverpool’s first chance after the break, seeing an effort blocked, while Cedric Soares had a go for Arsenal, leaving Alisson with a comfortable save.
Needing something sharper up front, Jurgen Klopp sent Jota on in place of left-back Andy Robertson. It took the Portuguese forward no time at all to make an impact.
Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a cross in first time, and Jota rose in the box to head home barely three minutes after coming on.
What a cross from Alexander-Arnold! Liverpool take the lead!
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2021
Salah doubles advantage with neat finish
It sparked Liverpool into life and they doubled their lead very quickly. Thiago Alcantara sent the ball over the top for Salah to latch on to. The winger drove inside before passing the ball in between Bernd Leno’s legs and into the net.
"He made it look so simple, but it wasn't."
Salah doubles Liverpool's lead.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2021
Salah tried adding to his tally after being sent in by Fabinho. This time, though, Leno batted away his effort.
As the final 10 minutes approached, Arsenal withdrew Aubameyang and replaced him with Gabriel Martinelli. It seemed their attention was already turning to their midweek commitments in Europe.
And they showed a lapse in concentration in the 81st minute, allowing Liverpool to pounce and get a third goal.
After Arsenal gave the ball away at the back, Liverpool worked it quickly to Jota, who arrived in the box and grabbed his second goal of the game.
Jota puts Liverpool 3-0 up!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2021
It capped off a solid win for Liverpool, who are now just two points off the top four. This may have been the day on which it became mathematically impossible for them to retain their title, but they still managed to end it on a high note.
The target now will be to climb as high up the table as what remains possible.
Arsenal, on the other hand, remain in ninth and are nine points off the Champions League places.
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The post Super-sub Diogo Jota continues scoring streak as Liverpool pummel Arsenal appeared first on TEAMtalk.
Samuel Bannister
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