Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE: Carabao Cup semi-final result, final score and reaction from fixture tonight

A match that finally took place, but there was no actual contest. Arsenal, it could be argued, still didn’t really play.

Liverpool reached a fifth cup final of Jurgen Klopp’s time, and the first in this competition in six years, by comfortably beating Mikel Arteta’s side 2-0 in the League Cup semi-final second leg. This one wasn’t about false positives but false advertising. It just wasn’t the game that was billed, and certainly didn’t live up the enjoyable chaos that the competition’s semi-finals often offer.

Arteta’s side clearly have so much promise but also some way to go, as they lost another big game. Liverpool, and especially Diogo Jota, were just too good for them. There was almost an inevitability about that given all the ructions of the last week and how the north London derby was postponed. Arsenal could point to a stretched squad and how Thomas Partey came on just hours after arriving back from the African Cup of Nations, only to be sent off in the aimless final minutes.

That ended up being indicative in another way, as it summed up how Arsenal were always stretching to try and bridge the gap to Liverpool, but Klopp’s side were too good.

A side without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane just showed Arsenal how it’s done, giving a semi-final occasionally clouded by an acrimonious atmosphere a muted finish.

Perhaps the only question from the entire game was whether Jota intended the finish that effectively settled the contest, or mishit it. It is someway irrelevant to the game, given the end result was a goal either way, but it was a rare moment when Aaron Ramsdale looked culpable. Follow all the latest reaction after Arsenal vs Liverpool below:

Arsenal vs Liverpool

• Diogo Jota brace fires Liverpool past Arsenal and into Carabao Cup final to face Chelsea

• Arsenal: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Lokonga, Odegaard; Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette

• Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Gordon, Firmino, Jota

• 13’ - Matip sees close-range finish ruled out for clear offside

• 19’ - Jota puts Liverpool ahead with low strike after run infield

• 80’ - Jota adds second with lofted finish over Ramsdale

• 89’ - Thomas Partey sent-off for two yellows after fewer than 20 minutes on the pitch

Reaction from Trent Alexander-Arnold

21:57 , Michael Jones

Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke to Sky Sports after the game saying that Liverpool’s deserved their victory and are looking forward to th final at Wembley. He said:

Diogo Jota brace fires Liverpool past Arsenal and into Carabao Cup final to face Chelsea

21:54 , Michael Jones

A match that finally took place, but there was no actual contest. Arsenal, it could be argued, still didn’t really play.

Liverpool reached a fifth cup final of Jurgen Klopp’s time, and the first in this competition in six years, by comfortably beating Mikel Arteta’s side 2-0 in the League Cup semi-final second leg. This one wasn’t about false positives but false advertising. It just wasn’t the game that was billed, and certainly didn’t live up the enjoyable chaos that the competition’s semi-finals often offer.

Jota brace fires Liverpool past Arsenal and into Carabao Cup final to face Chelsea

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:49 , Michael Jones

Despite only playing two games at the Emirates Stadium for Liverpool, Diogo Jota is already the Reds’ leading scorer at the stadium with four goals.

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool: Player ratings as Reds win to head to Carabao Cup final

21:46 , Michael Jones

Liverpool are through to the Carabao Cup final after beating Arsenal 2-0 on the night and on aggregate.

They will face Chelsea at Wembley, after a dominant showing in the semi-final second leg which saw the Gunners end with 10 men after a late Thomas Partey red card.

Diogo Jota raced infield to strike home the game’s first goal from the edge of the box midway through the first half, and the Portuguese forward was the star of the show, lobbing in a second to send the Reds clear.

Here are the player ratings from the semi-final second leg:

Arsenal vs Liverpool player ratings as Reds head through to Carabao Cup final

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:43 , Michael Jones

Trent Alexander-Arnold has made 14 assists for Liverpool in all competitions this season, the most of any Premier League player; indeed, no one else has more than 10.

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool: Five things we learned as Jota double sends Klopp’s side to Carabao Cup final

21:41 , Michael Jones

Liverpool booked their place in the Carabao Cup final as a Diogo Jota doubled handed them a 2-0 win at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side held Jurgen Klopp’s men to a goalless draw at Anfield but were undone in front of their home fans by two strikes from the Portuguese forward.

Here are five things we learned from the game.

Five things we learned as Liverpool beat Arsenal to reach Carabao Cup final

Full-time: Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:38 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Diogo Jota’s night is topped off with a man of the match award. His goals have been the killer blows for Arsenal’s hopes of another trophy under Mikel Arteta.

The full-time whistle goes and it’s confirmed. Liverpool are going to Wembley to face Chelsea for the Carabao Cup!

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:34 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: The Liverpool fans are in full voice now. They know the game and the tie is won. Liverpool have put in a professional display once again tonight and without Sadio Mane, without Mo Salah, Diogo Jota has stepped up for the Reds, scored both goals and sent them into the Carabao Cup final.

Red card! Partey is off!

21:33 , Michael Jones

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

90 mins: When it rains, it pours for Arsenal. Thomas Partey dives into a challenge on Fabinho with his studs showing and lands on the Liverpool midfielder’s ankle. It’s a second yellow card in a couple of minutes for the Arsenal man and they’re down to 10-men once again!

Five added minutes to play.

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:30 , Michael Jones

86 mins: Thomas Partey collects a yellow card on his return to the team. Alexander-Arnold chips the free kick into the box but Arsenal manage to head it clear. There’s a despondent feel to Arsenal’s play now. The game is slipping away.

Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:26 , Michael Jones

83 mins: Liverpool have a commanding lead now. They’ve got one foot in the final and have less than 10 minutes to keep Arsenal at bay before they get there.

Tomiyasu fails to deal with a long ball and heads it down to Milner. He passes the ball up to Jones who snatches at a shot from range and pulls his effort wide of the near post.

Neco Williams comes on to replace Roberto Firmino for Liverpool.

GOAL! Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool (Jota, 78’)⚽️

21:23 , Michael Jones

80 mins: Arsenal lose the ball on the left wing and Alexander-Arnold floats a diagonal ball over the top for Jota. He narrowly stays onside and chests the ball down in the box. Ramsdale charges at him but Jota lifts the ball over the goalkeeper and doubles Liverpool’s lead!

VAR had to confirm that Jota was onside at the start of his run and after drawing the lines across the pitch to check, Liverpool’s second goal stands!

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:21 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Have Liverpool scored again?! Diogo Jota has found the back of the net but the goal was ruled out for offside. VAR is checking it and this one is close...

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:19 , Michael Jones

77 mins: Jones flicks the ball into the box to Minamino who can’t get it under control for a shot. Arsenal scramble it away but Milner recovers the ball and floats a cross to the back post. This one is headed over to Robertson who shoots and pulls his chance wide of the far post.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:17 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Thomas Partey and Eddie Nketiah are on for Arsenal with Alexandre Lacazette and Emile Smith Rowe the two men replaced. Tierney sends a long throw into the box but Firmino is back to clear the danger for Liverpool.

Jordan Henderson is replaced with James Milner.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:15 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Fresh from the Africa Cup of Nations Thomas Partey is ready to come on for Arsenal. The Gunners have had more possession in the last five minutes but they’ve not done much with it. Martinelli’s had the best chance with a dribble into the left side of the area and a shot at goal that forces Kelleher to tip it behind for a corner.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:11 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Arsenal need to do better. They win it in their own half and play a lovely pass up to Odegaard who avoids a tackle in midfield and sweeps forward for the Gunners. He passes it up to Smith Rowe as Saka makes a run down the right. Smith Rowe tries to pick him out but underhits the pass and Virgil van Dijk intercepts to end the attack.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:08 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Takumi Minamino is on for Liverpool having replaced Kaide Gordon. This game is delicately balanced and can swing either way yet. Arsenal need a good spell on the ball. They’ve been kept quiet for most of the second half and need to start putting pressure on Liverpool’s back line.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:06 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Close! Liverpool are knocking on the door. Alexander-Arnold is sent clear down the right wing and flies into space. He swings a teasing ball into the box and Roberto Firmino just needs a touch. He stretches out a right leg but the ball bounces away from him and Arsenal clear.

The clearance comes up to Lacazette who turns well in midfield and threatens to break on a counterattack before he’s stopped by Konate who picks up a yellow card.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

21:02 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Aaron Ramsdale comes out to punch a cross from the left wing and clatters into his teammate Kieran Tierney as he puts the ball behind for a corner. Tierney takes a fist to face but he’s back on his feet quickly.

Chance! Trent Alexander-Arnold swings the corner into the box and picks out Ibrahima Konate. The defender sends a powerful header back towards the far botton corner and hits the post! The ball rebounds out to Jordan Henderson who prods it back at goal but Ramsdale gets low to keep it out!

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:59 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Tomiyasu loses the ball to Curtis Jones who gives it quickly to Jota. Tomiyasu tries to make up for his mistake but ends up fouling the Liverpool forward and picks up a yellow card. Robertson’s free kick into the penalty area can’t find a target and Arsenal clear the danger.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:58 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Ramsdale boots a long ball over the back of the Liverpool defence and sends Martinelli chasing it into the box. Kelleher comes out and catches the bouncing ball but Martinelli cynically runs into the goalkeeper and fouls him.

Arsenal’s frustrations keep growing. Liverpool are cotrolling the game.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:54 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Chance! Liverpool should be two up! Diogo Jota takes the ball down the left wing and draws Ben White out of position. He knocks the ball past the defender and sprints after it into the box. Kaide Gordon drifts into space in the middle and waits for Jota’s cutback. When it comes he hits a first time shot but fires it straight over the goal!

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:51 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Saka hasn’t been able to get the better of Robertson so far but he manages to lay the ball off to Odegaard and sneak in behind. Odegaard tries to lift the ball over the left-back and give it back to Saka but Kelleher is off his line quickly and claims the ball.

Chance! It’s another quick start to the half for Arsenal. Lokonga chips a pass over the top and Lacazette brings it down in the box. He leans back on a shot and punts it just over the crossbar!

Second half: Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:48 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Jurgen Klopps brings Ibrahima Konate on in place of Joel Matip to create a bit more stability at the back for Liverpool. Arsenal get the match restarted with a pass back to Aaron Ramsdale. He sends it over to the right wing but Liverpool come away with the ball despite Bukayo Saka’s attempt to win it in the air.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:44 , Michael Jones

Ominous signs forArsenal. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 39 away games across all competitions when leading at half time (36 wins, three draws) with their last such defeat coming away to Roma in the Champions League in May 2018.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:40 , Michael Jones

Diogo Jota has scored four goals in his last four games against Arsenal across all competitions, with three of those coming in his two appearances at the Emirates as a Liverpool player.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:37 , Michael Jones

Diogo Jota gives Liverpool the lead against Arsenal at the Emirates. It was a brilliant team goal from Liverpool and fortunate finish from Jota.

Half-time: Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:32 , Michael Jones

45+1 mins: There was just one minute of added time to play with the action taking place in midfield. Jota wins another free kick for Liverpool and Robertson’s cross is knocked down to Fabinho. He shoots from range but his shot is blocked in the middle of the box.

Arsenal started the better team but Liverpool take the advantage into the break.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:29 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Mikel Arteta looks quite pensive on the sidelines. As half-time creeps closer he’ll be thinking of ways to get his team back into this game.

The first yellow card of the game comes out for Alexandre Lacazette who hits Curtis Jones with a heavy tackle. A sign of frustration from the striker perhaps.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:26 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Arsenal are going nowhere quickly. They’re struggling to beat the Liverpool press and their attempted long balls into the wide areas haven’t come off yet. It’s comfortable for Liverpool at the minute.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:23 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Sambi Lokonga carries the ball into midfield and wins a free kick after getting hit with a late tackle. Liverpool were just imposing themselves on the ball but Arsenal have a decent period of possession but they haven’t been able to work it into the Liverpool final third. Tomiyasu and Saka are struggling to link up on the right-hand side.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:21 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Close! Jordan Henderson leaves Arsenal fumbling in their own box with a driving up towards the penalty area. He feeds it over to Alexander-Arnold on the overlap and the right-back floats a cross to the back post. Jota wins the ball into the air and puts it into a dangerous area but there aren’t any of his teammates around and Arsenal clear their lines.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:18 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Chance! Arsenal’s best chances have all come from Liverpool mistakes with Matip at fault for most of them. He gets caught on the ball again and the Gunners overload the Liverpool line. Saka runs into space on the right and is given the ball but Robertson is on top of him quickly and doesn’t allow the winger to cut onto his left foot. Instead Saka shoots with his right and Robertson blocks the effort behind for a corner.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:15 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Arsenal have just stepped off Liverpool and are defending a little deeper. They realise that they can’t concede again anytime soon. Jota shows his strength in a tussle with Lacazette and shrugs the Arsenal forward away from the ball before sliding it across to Kaide Gordon. He puts a poor pass into the box and Arsenal get it back.

The Gunners fly forward on the counterattack with Martinelli sprinting down the left. He brings the ball into the area but is tackled with a perfectly timed challenge from Fabinho. Arsenal want a penalty but the referee waves for play to continue.

Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:11 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Luckily for Arsenal away goals are counted in this tie so they only need to score once to force the match into extra-time. Liverpool are growing in confidence since that goal. They look more solid when defending with Jota and Kaide Gordon pressing well up top.

GOAL! Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool (Jota, 19’)⚽️

20:04 , Michael Jones

19 mins: Liverpool lead! Arsenal started the game better but it’s Liverpool who strike first. Matip passes the ball into the midfield where Roberto Firmino backheels it up to Alexander-Arnold coming in from the right. He feeds the ball across to Diogo Jota to set up the goal. Jota cuts inside from the left and sits Tomiyasu down before shimmying past White and miscuing his shot at goal. The scuffed effort works in his favour though as it wrongfoots Aaron Ramsdale and sneaks over the line.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:00 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Disallowed goal! Liverpool find the back of the net from the corner as Robertson’s delivery picks out Fabinho over on the far side of the box. He heads it back into the six-yard area where Joel Matip is waiting to tap it home. Almost immediately the offside flag goes up against Matip and VAR confirms the decision.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

19:59 , Michael Jones

12 mins: That’s good work from Ben White. Liverpool win the ball off Tomiyasu in midfield and Curtis Jones slots the ball up to Diogo Jota. He bursts down the left channel and comes up against White who forces him to the byline. Jota’s only option is to cross and White blocks it behind for a corner.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

19:55 , Michael Jones

9 mins: The Gunners have started well here. Liverpool have made a few sloppy mistakes. Joel Matip has given the ball away a couple of times already to leave his team flustered in defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s diagonal ball over to the left wing is won but Takehiro Tomiyasu who slots the ball to Martin Odegaard. He beats the Liverpool midfield with a pass past Fabinho and Emile Smith Rowe drives it forward. He plays Martinelli into the left side of the box and he floats a cross towards the back post. Saka gets in Kelleher’s way as the goalkeeper tries to get to the ball and the referee awards Liverpool a free kick.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

19:51 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Chance! Liverpool defend the corner and scramble in the penalty area to work the ball away. Arsenal recover it and sweep forward through the inside left channel. It’s played across to Bukayo Saka who gets brought down just outside the box and Arsenal win a free kick in a dangerous area.

Alexandre Lacazette takes the free kick. He whips is beautifully around the wall and the ball looks to be sneaking underneath the crossbar. Caoimhin Kelleher leaps across to his left and tips the ball onto the bar to deny Arsenal an opener!

Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

19:49 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Gabriel Martinelli gets stuck into the game early on and wins a corner with a bright run into the box from the left. He swings the set piece into the box but Andy Roberton wins the header and knocks it to Curtis Jones. He completes the clearance but Arsenal keep the attack alive. It’s passed back to Martinelli whose cross into the middle out the box is headed behind for another corner.

Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

19:46 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Liverpool kick off the match and boot it up the pitch towards Roberto Firmino. He manages to bring the ball down despite some pressure but can’t set up a teammate and Arsenal come away with the ball.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:44 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams. There was nothing to separate them in the first leg at Anfield despite Granit Xhaka’s red card halfway through the first half.

The equation is simple. Win tonight and you’ll play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final. Which team is going to make it?

Kick off is next...

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:40 , Michael Jones

Arsenal have won just one of their last 17 matches against Liverpool in all competitions with eight draws and eight defeats. They have also failed to score in their last four games against the Reds.

Can they turn things around tonight?

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Arsenal’s Pablo Mari joins Udinese on loan

19:37 , Michael Jones

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has joined Udinese on loan for the rest of the season.

Spanish centre-half Mari, 28, has made just three appearances in all competitions for the Gunners this season and 22 in total.

Arsenal’s Pablo Mari joins Udinese on loan

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:33 , Michael Jones

15 minutes to go until kick off at the Emirates stadium. A reminder that away goals play no part in the fixture so if the match ends in a draw of any score then we’ll go to extra time and maybe penalties.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:30 , Michael Jones

Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have scored more goals against Arsenal in all competitions (43) than they have against any other opponent.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:27 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have lost only one of their last six visits to the Emirates in all competitions.

The Reds have kept four successive clean sheets against Arsenal and haven’t conceded in the last 425 minutes, since Alexandre Lacazette scored at Anfield in September 2020.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:24 , Michael Jones

Eddie Nketiah is avergaing a goal every 46 minutes in the League Cup at the Emirates Stadium. He’s scored seven goals in five appearances here but Mikel Arteta starts him on the bench tonight.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:19 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have reached more League Cup finals (12) than any other team but have lost the second leg of each of their las three semi-finals in the competition.

On top of that the Gunners have never lost a home League Cup game to Liverpool. They’ve won three and drawn three. Advantage Arsenal?

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Pre-match thoughts from Mikel Arteta

19:16 , Michael Jones

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says that his team need to play at their highest level if they want to beat a team as good as Liverpool and that the fans will have big part to play in giving the team a boost when they need it. Here are Arteta’s pre-match thoughts:

Arsenal vs Liverpool

19:12 , Michael Jones

The last six League Cup meetings between Arsenal and Liverpool, going back to 1996, have produced 28 goals. But, the last two ties have both finished goalless.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Kelleher on reaching the final

19:09 , Michael Jones

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher spoke about the first leg and how this game will be different as well as what it would mean to him to reach and play in the Carabao Cup final. He said:

FA investigates Arsenal yellow card after allegations of suspicious betting patterns

19:05 , Michael Jones

The Football Association is probing a yellow card shown to an Arsenal player during a Premier League match this season following allegations of suspicious betting patterns.

It has been reported that bookmakers raised concerns with the FA after an unusual amount of money was placed on a Gunners player being cautioned during a game.

FA investigates Arsenal yellow card after allegations of suspicious betting patterns

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Is a penalty shootout likely?

19:01 , Michael Jones

The last two clashes between Liverpool and Arsenal in this competition have been decided by a penalty shootout and there was nothing to separate the team in the first leg.

Liverpool have been involved in 13 League Cup penalty shootouts, winning nine, as well as 17 out of 24 in all competitions.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

18:58 , Michael Jones

Both managers have named strong line-ups. Arsenal are pretty much at full strength which shows the desire Mikel Arteta has to reach the final.

Liverpool have a few of their key players missing which provides Kaide Gordon a chance to impress in a big game but they’re full of experience with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield and Virgil van Dijk organising the back line.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Team changes

18:53 , Michael Jones

Mikel Arteta makes three changes to the Arsenal team that last lined up against Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Takehiro Tomiyasu comes in to replace Cedric Soares, Emile Smith Rowe returns to the team adn Martin Odegaard takes his place in midfield.

Jurgen Klopp makes two changes to the Liverpool starting XI that faced Brentford at the weekend.After sitting out the first leg to give Alisson Becker some gametime, Caoimhin Kelleher is back in goal and Kaide Gordon comes in for the injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Line-ups

18:45 , Michael Jones

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Lokonga, Odegaard, Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Lacazette

Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Jones, Gordon, Firmino, Jota

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Pepijn Lijnders on Arsenal

18:43 , Michael Jones

Liverpool’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders took the press conference for tonight’s match and spoke about Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. He said:

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Recent results

18:38 , Michael Jones

Arsenal have not played since the first leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final. They were due to face Tottenham in a north London derby on Sunday but had their request for a postponement accepted from the Premier League despite only having one reported Covid-19 case.

Granit Xhaka’s 24^th minute red card in the previous leg meant that the Gunners had to hang on with 10-men and since they secured a goalless draw will now fancy their chance in front of their home crowd.

Liverpool’s only fixture since the last leg was a Premier League match against Brentford at the weekend. The Reds found it tough to break through the Brentford defence and it looked as though they were head into the break on level terms before Fabinho opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time.

Second-half goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino secured the points for Liverpool. Minamino in particular will be pleased with his goal after missing a huge chance against Arsenal in this reverse fixture last week.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Arteta on tonight’s game

18:35 , Michael Jones

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke about the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium and how the fans will give his players a boost in the crucial moments of tonight’s semi-final. He said:

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Robertson could reach 200

18:32 , Michael Jones

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson could make his 200th appearance for the club in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal.

The Scot is one game away from bringing up his double century for the Reds, having arrived at the club from Hull City in the summer of 2017. Since joining Robertson has recorded 44 assists and scored six times.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Injuries and absentees

18:28 , Michael Jones

Thomas Partey could feature for Arsenal this evening after his Ghana side were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations. Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard are all doubts for the game.

Liverpool will be without Thiago Alcantara and Divock Origi who are both out until February at least and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who picked up an ankle injury in the match against Brentford.

Harvey Elliott and Nathaniel Phillips returned to training on Tuesday, though Elliot is still not fit enough to feature for the Reds. Naby Keita. Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are all still at the AFCON.

Arsenal vs Liverpool latest news

18:27 , Karl Matchett

Here are the route to the semi-finals so far both teams have taken:

Arsenal

Second round: 6-0 away to West Brom

Third round: 3-0 home to AFC Wimbledon

Fourth round: 2-0 home to Leeds

Quarter-finals: 5-1 home to Sunderland

Semi-final first leg: 0-0 away to Liverpool

Liverpool

Third round: 3-0 away to Norwich

Fourth round: 2-0 away to Preston

Quarter-finals: 3-3 home to Leicester, won on penalties

Semi-finals first leg: 0-0 home to Arsenal

Arsenal vs Liverpool latest news

18:23 , Karl Matchett

Premier League club Arsenal have unveiled a new shirt inspired by London Underground seats.

The design of the new Arsenal shirt was influenced by the bold pattern which appears on Piccadilly line trains that run past the club’s north London stadium.

The shirts were created following a collaboration between the club, Transport for London and sportswear manufacturer Adidas

Arsenal is the only football club with a Tube station named after it.

More here:

Arsenal launch new pre-match kit inspired by London Underground train seats

Arsenal vs Liverpool latest news

18:15 , Karl Matchett

First leg recap: Granit Xhaka was sent-off and Arsenal ground out a draw, somehow - mostly thanks to a late, late miss from Taki Minamino.

The Gunners were praised for a backs against the wall type of performance after going down to 10 men, while critics took aim at Liverpool for a lack of goal threat with their two big guns away at the AFCON.

A 0-0 scoreline maybe left Arsenal the happier, but they have a lot to do still to reach the final, where Chelsea lie in wait for one of these teams. Worth remembering, too, that tonight at the Emirates was supposed to be the first leg in this semi-final, only for postponements and rescheduling to switch matters.

Check out the match report from a week ago here:

Arsenal show survival instincts after Granit Xhaka’s recurring nightmare

Arsenal vs Liverpool latest news

14:32 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders believes many were ready to write the Reds’ Carabao Cup hopes off after last week’s goalless draw with Arsenal but he is backing his side to triumph in the semi-final’s second leg on Thursday night.

Arsenal played for more than hour with 10 men at Anfield after the early dismissal of Granit Xhaka but nevertheless held Liverpool to a rare blank, and Mikel Arteta’s side will now hope to capitalise on home advantage in the second leg.

Lijnders sensed a mood of pessimism around Anfield after the first match, but insisted he had been looking forward to Thursday’s second leg from the moment the final whistle went.

“There was disappointment in the stadium, the disappointment of the fans, of us as a staff, so it was not the outside world we’re speaking about.” Lijnders said when about the post-match mood. “We need optimism in our squad.”

And he pointed to Liverpool’s Champions League round-of-16 success over Bayern Munich in March 2019, when they drew 0-0 at Anfield before winning 3-1 at the Allianz Arena, as he said neither side could claim an advantage at this stage.

“A semi-final over two legs is decided over two legs, it’s half-time, it’s 0-0,” he said. “We proved already against Bayern Munich, it was 0-0 at home and then we went there and we won. We know what we are capable of. We know what we want.”

Full report:

Pep Lijnders confident Liverpool can conquer Arsenal in Carabao Cup tie