Diego Jota Makes Sweet Debut, Scores Goals And Takes Liverpool To Freeze Arsenal 3-1

Diego Jota (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Diogo Jota, scored a goal in his debut appearance in a Liverpool shirt. Entering to replace Sadio Mane 10 minutes before dispersal, the Portuguese striker helped the Reds beat Arsenal 3-1 in the Premier League which took place at Anfield, Monday, September 29 evening.

Previously, Alexandre Lacazetre had brought Arsenal the lead by exploiting Andy Robertson's blunder. But Liverpool took the lead through Sadio Mane and Robertson's atoning goal.

Launching Antara, the victory led Liverpool to climb to second place in the standings with a collection of nine points, while Arsenal's first defeat (6) made Mikel Arteta's team drop to fifth.

Liverpool actually matched Leicester City's perfect points but, lost on a five-to-eight surplus on goal difference. On the other hand, despite both having a five-goal surplus, Liverpool are superior because they have scored nine goals compared to their elder brother, Everton, who have just collected eight goals and had to settle for dropping to third.

Appearing to press since the start of the Liverpool match, they found two good opportunities they failed to convert into goals. Mane's first-touch shot threatened Arsenal's goal in the 15th minute, but goalkeeper Bernd Leno was in the right position to clear the ball.

Then six minutes later Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-range shot in a corner kick hit Hector Bellerin's leg, changing direction and hitting the crossbar.

Anfield debut ✅First goal ✅ First @premierleague win ✅ Big hug from the boss ✅ Well in, @ DiogoJota18 👊 pic.twitter.com/NTLUHbzpQn

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 28, 2020

Liverpool's defensive blunder trend that occurred in the last meeting against Arsenal in the Premier League last season continued, when Andy Robertson failed to clear the ball and the round skin converted into a free-standing Lacazette bait to find the home side in the 25th minute.

However, Arsenal's advantage only lasted for a moment, three minutes later Mane threw up the ball from Leno's imperfect save on Mohamed Salah's shot and the score drew 1-1.

Robertson paid for his mistake by turning Liverpool into a 2-1 lead in the 34th minute as he went off the radar to catch Alexander-Arnold's cross and outwitted Leno to find the Arsenal goal.

Arsenal's second half appeared to be the more dangerous and Lacazette almost made it even as they escaped the offside trap, but goalkeeper Alisson Becker put in a lively anticipation to keep the danger out.

After many unsuccessful chances, Juergen Klopp sent Jota on for Mane in the 80th minute and the decision proved to be effective as the Portuguese forward immediately created two chances despite having yet to score.

In the 88th minute, Jota stands in the right position to control David Luiz's sweep before volleying into the bottom left corner to seal Liverpool's 3-1 win.

EVERY. SINGLE. ANGLE. 😍Enjoy @ DiogoJota18's beautiful debut goal ... pic.twitter.com/NT58Viw7ep

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 28, 2020

The two will meet again in three days for the fourth round of the Premier League Cup at Anfield, before each appearing in week four of the Premier League. Arsenal host Sheffield United on Sunday, 4 October, followed by Liverpool who travel to Aston Villa headquarters.