The midfielder scored twice as Liverpool rediscovered their goalscoring touch – but their No.9 was unable to end his drought

Just three days after failing miserably to knock out a team that had come to Anfield purely to defend, Liverpool tore apart another unambitious opponent, as the mighty Red Devils beat West Ham 5-1 to advance. reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Curtis Jones reclaimed the spotlight with a two-goal effort in which the midfielder outclassed the visitors. backline to score their second of the evening, but there were a number of other excellent players on a night that saw Jurgen Klopp’s side once again gritting their teeth, making this victory both the perfect response to a 0-0 draw. -0 against Manchester United just perfect preparation for Saturday’s match against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to have been revived, who opened the scoring with a header from outside the box before Jones doubled Liverpool’s lead by bringing down Alphonse Areola.

Cody Gakpo scored to make it 3-0 just outside the box and although Jarrod Bowen scored with West Ham’s only shot on target, the hosts finished on a flourish, with Substitute Mohamed Salah scored shortly after coming on from the bench before Jones scored his stunning solo goal.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Kevin Kelleher (6.5/10):

There was nothing to do about Bowen’s stunning goal and there was nothing left to do all evening. But his passing was gone and when he had to come forward to receive a cross, he did so with conviction.

Joe Gomez (7.5/10):

Plays with real spirit and vitality, providing good outlet down the right, even if his touch and technique sometimes let him down. However, he underlined his valuable versatility by switching to left-back for the final 20 minutes and almost scored.

Jarell Quansah (7/10):

Will was extremely disappointed with himself for allowing Bowen to get past him so easily to score West Ham’s goal but for the most part was very impressive, especially in possession. Indeed, it was his pass, after a beautiful wait to win the ball back, that created Szoboszlai’s opening goal.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

Maybe it was the image of frustration on Sunday but he showed no signs of discomfort here. A characteristically relaxed performance before being brought on in the 60th minute with Arsenal’s away trip on Saturday in mind.

Konstantinos Tsimikas (10/ 7):

Very good going forward but also made a well-timed intervention at the far post that could have prevented West Ham’s goal. Get a well-deserved rest at the end of the day.

Midfielder

Dominik Szoboszlai (8/ 10):

The Hungarian has looked a little tired in recent weeks but he was back to his best here, deservedly breaking the deadlock with a stunning long-range shot. And the brief rest he got thanks to his 60th-minute substitution should give him good form.

Wataru Endo (7/ 10):

It was surprising to see him start as he likely had more work to do on Saturday but he was withdrawn after a very effective performance in which he repeatedly won the ball for his teammates before moving quickly. Work completed.

Curtis Jones (9/ 10):

Surely he should now start against Arsenal? Jones has had a difficult season, disrupted by injury and suspension, but he has shown what he can add to Klopp’s side here in a strong way. Both of his goals were accomplished brilliantly, and at the same time he had to complete a huge amount of work.

Attack

Harvey Elliott (8/ 10):

Chosen to start on the right wing in place of the rested Salah, the 20-year-old underlined his huge potential with an extremely dynamic display. Unlucky not to get a goal or assist for his efforts.

Cody Thep (7.5/10):

Really should have scored with a header just before the break, after being picked out brilliantly by Elliott, but made up for it with a lovely low shot that clearly meant a lot to him.

Darwin Nunez (7/ 10):

There was plenty of energy and effort as usual from the Uruguayan, who was deployed on the left wing, and he also created Liverpool’s second goal with a lovely return pass. However, his frustration was evident after seeing his best effort in the match being pushed against the post. He can’t rest right now.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):

Came onto the field in the 60th minute and filled the void left by Endo in midfield. The benefit of having him in front of the back four was evident when he sent Salah through to score with a stunning pass from deep inside his own half, and then released Jones to scored his second goal of the evening.

Mohamed Salah (7.5/10):

Replaced Szoboszlai for the final half hour and started the match. After sending a shot wide of goal, he missed a wide open goal before being third time lucky with a cool finish.

Ibrahima Konate (7.5/10):

Taking over the center of defense from Van Dijk and his ferocious running paved the way for Gakpo’s goal.

Conor Bradley (6/10):

Came on midway through the second half for Tsimikas and did well as right-back, even creating a great opportunity for Salah.

Luis Diaz (N/A):

Just introduced in the last 10 minutes.

Jurgen Klopp (9/10):

 

A near-perfect evening for the Liverpool manager, who managed to rotate his squad, resting several key players in the process, but still saw his side win with some serious starters vying for a starting spot on Saturday. It’s a shame Darwin couldn’t end his drought…