Sports News | Thomas Partey makes quick return from Africa Cup of Nations but is sent off as Diogo Jota double sees Liverpool beat Arsenal in Carabao Cup | Latest News Headlines

Liverpool will meet Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final as the Reds got the better of Arsenal, winning 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

A Diogo Jota brace was what separated the two sides in the tie after playing a goalless first leg draw at Anfield.

It was a particularly forgetful night for Thomas Partey, who returned to London at midday on Thursday from the Africa Cup of Nations, as he was sent off for a rash challenge on Fabinho late in the game shortly after he entered the pitch.

But Arsenal may have few complaints about the result with a much improved Liverpool outperforming them on their home turf.

Liverpool will meet Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday February 27.

It was definitely an advantage for Arsenal as they got a creditable draw on Merseyside and they started as a team confident they could get the job done – they created the first clear chance when Alexander’s first free-kick Lacazette hit the crossbar.

But it was Liverpool who took the lead somewhat against the run of play as Jota’s effort slipped into the net. The Portuguese collected the ball on the left, passed Takehiro Tomiyasu before his scuffed effort fell off Aaron Ramsdale and infiltrated.

Liverpool began to take control of the proceedings as they took the lead at half-time.

The Gunners started the second half with determination and had a great chance to equalize when Lacazette was played by Albert Sambi Lokonga but the Frenchman fired.

Reds youngster Kaide Gordon also fired from close range after good work down the left from Jota, while Ibrahima Konate headed the ball past the post from a corner just before the hour mark. Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher did well to prevent a cheeky effort near the post from Gabriel Martinelli.

Jota found the net in the 78th minute as he brilliantly controlled Trent Alexander-Arnold’s search ball and passed Ramsdale but was quickly ruled offside.

However, the incident went to VAR and Arsenal defender Gabriel was ruled to play the Liverpool man, with the goal sealing their place at Wembley.

Arsenal’s desperation to get back in the tie showed when stoppage time began with Partey making an early AFCON return after Ghana’s early exit was dismissed for a bad foul on Fabinho and a challenge earlier on Neco Williams.