Diogo Jota must wish he can play Arsenal every week.
Having netted in all three Premier League meetings against the Gunners since arriving at Liverpool in September 2020, the Portuguese was at it again here.
And in doing so, he shot Jurgen Klopp’s side into their first domestic final in six years and ensured there could be early reward for a season that continues to promise much for both club and player.
This wasn’t quite a case of proving there’s life without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the duo still absent on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Jota’s double, though, confirmed Liverpool still possess significant firepower.
Certainly, it was more than enough to see off an Arsenal side who, in retrospect, perhaps missed their opportunity last week when they were unable to capitalise on a poor Reds performance.
There was admittedly a hint of fortune with Jota’s eventual finish for Liverpool’s opener on 19 minutes, which came against the run of play after a poor opening in the wake of a lively Arsenal start.
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But the forward deserved credit for the forceful run that saw him accept Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass and run in from the left flank and, with defenders closing in, mishit a shot that deceived Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and trickled in.
There was, however, absolutely no doubt about the quality on show with his second goal 13 minutes from time that copper-bottomed a Liverpool with which few could argue over the evidence of the two legs.
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The initial reaction was one of frustration when, after ghosting in behind the Arsenal defence to control another fine, searching Alexander-Arnold pass on his chest before lifting the ball coolly over the onrushing Ramsdale, he was greeted by an offside flag.
For once VAR then did Liverpool a solid, rightly determining Jota was in fact onside to cue lengthy celebrations in front of the 5,200 travelling fans.
Jota now has 14 goals for the season, Alexander-Arnold 14 assists.
And the pair represent the most profitable combination for Liverpool this campaign.
It was sufficient enough for Jota to be afforded a new song from the jubilant away support.
The lad from Portugal is off to Wembley.
