TAKE A BAO, DIGGO

Jota double settles Covid derby and books final date as Gunners are left e empty-handed for another season

- JOHN CROSS

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EVEN a weekend break was not enough to recharge Arsenal's batteries.

Liverpool won the Covid derby to book a place in next month's final against Chelsea.

Diogo Jota was Liverpool's hero with two goals, the second a pearler that needed a VAR review to be awarded, and in the end the Mersey men won quite cosily.

Just to sum up Arsenal's night, Thomas Partey - who landed at midday following duty for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations came on as a substitute and still managed to get himself sent off in the 90th minute for two stupid yellow cards.

Liverpool last won the League Cup in 2012 but are now bidding for a record ninth triumph in the competition.

Arsenal fielded a strong starting line-up despite managing to get Sunday's north London derby called off because they said they did not have enough players.

In truth they did look rusty, especially compared to a Liverpool side who were brimming with intent all night.