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(sanctions 4-5)
Reds: Milner O, Wijnaldum O, Minamino O, Origi X, Jones O, Wilson X
Gunners: Lacazette O, Cedric O, Elneny X, Maitland-Niles O, Pepe O, Willock O
Before the game
Another interesting formation from Klopp. Xheradan Shaqiri is apparently being held with a possible transfer in progress. Good news, bad news for James Milner. He’s captaining the side … but he’s doing it from the left side. Unlucky. Otherwise, we have Williams and Williams and Virgil Van Dijk making up the rest of the bottom line. Mohamed Salah has a rare appearance in a national cup, and Diogo Jota wins his first start in Liverpool. Curtis Jones is in midfield, but Harvey Elliott sadly isn’t. Hopefully we see Elliott in the second half.
First half
The first danger of the night comes from the visitors, but backup goalkeeper Adrian does it brilliantly to clear the danger when it appeared they were inside.
Liverpool do very well to create a fantastic opportunity in a corner, but Grujic spoils the opportunity and his weak shot goes wide.
With 25 minutes elapsed, the game is still very cautious, and neither team really takes hold.
OUT OF THE POST! I’m not sure how Minamino didn’t score there! Just before the break, Liverpool have their two best chances. Jota tests the goalkeeper with a great header that crosses the goal and then Taki hits the post on the rebound. Unlucky!
The two teams were always going to have trouble replicating the intensity of Monday night, especially with heavily switched sides. There were flashes of brilliance, but not enough to create a goal. It’s a disjointed performance so far, but hopefully things will improve in the second half.
Second half
Liverpool approach again, and once again comes out of a corner. The ball heads towards Van Dijk’s feet. Leno struggles to crouch down for Virgil’s shot, and the match remains scoreless. However, the Reds are slowly building up the pressure as the hour mark approaches.
Klopp makes his first substitutes of the night, snagging Mo Salah and Van Dijk for Divock Origi and Joe Gomez, respectively.
Leno is having an annoying party. He has made several saves to his full extent tonight. And it’s good luck from Arsenal’s perspective; they haven’t offered anything in the second half.
And just when I say that, Arsenal creates a great opportunity with a header, but Adrián is aware of the danger and makes the great save.
Gini Wijnaldum enters the last substitute of the night for Liverpool. Jota leads the way. These sides seem pierced when we enter the last 15 minutes or so.
It seems this is heading for penalties …
Final thoughts
Lose in pens. One of them, no.
