Liverpool key man needs a rest as Trent Alexander-Arnold true feelings clear

Liverpool key man needs a rest as Trent Alexander-Arnold true feelings made clear

Liverpool analysis after the Carabao Cup semi-final fist leg against Tottenham on Wednesday

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The wait was finally over for Diogo Jota. Having missed 11 games with an upper body injury, and then restricted to cameos from the bench for six matches on his return, this League Cup semi-final first leg at Tottenham Hotspur the striker’s first start since being forced off in the home Premier League win over Chelsea in late October.

Jota, though, would be forgiven for wondering whether his team-mates had noticed after a first half in which he was given scant service.

And it was indicative of how Luis Diaz, the very essence of a false nine, has been the only player to appear capable of regularly threatening as a central striker under Arne Slot this season.

While that may be a touch unfair on Jota, two of his six goals have come when ostensibly playing as a second striker while a further two were as a substitute.

He lasted 60 fruitless minutes here before being replaced by Darwin Nunez, who soon signalled his intent with a header saved by new Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and then delivering a dangerous low cross, before later once again being denied.

It was a welcome reminder of the Uruguayan’s threat after a difficult few months. But there will be questions to be asked of a team who, less than three weeks after scoring six at the same venue, fired a blank for only the second time this season.

Fans make Trent point

Trent Alexander-Arnold hadn’t even kicked a ball when the away end delivered their verdict on the player after a difficult few days.

As the right-back trotted on for the final half-hour, the travelling Kop broke out into a loud chant hailing “the Scouser in our team”. And whenever Alexander-Arnold ventured towards where the Liverpool supporters were positioned, he was greeted warmly.

Certainly, the ongoing speculation over his contract and interest from Real Madrid appeared far from collective minds, Alexander-Arnold instead rebuilding confidence with an improved display after his missteps against Manchester United at the weekend.

Indeed, only a clearance off the line by Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin prevented the right-back from opening the scoring with one powerful low drive.

Alexander-Arnold replaced the fit-again Conor Bradley, who was making his first start since the hamstring injury that kept him out for six weeks.

And while Bradley took time to settle, both he and Liverpool will have benefited from minutes under the belt.

Time for Gravenberch rest

It was perhaps the biggest indicator of how seriously Arne Slot was taking this game. Having been rested completely for the first three rounds in the competition, Ryan Gravenberch retained his regular place in the Liverpool midfield.

The time, though, is surely now approaching for the Dutchman to be taken out of the firing line.

It wasn’t that Gravenberch was particularly disappointing here. He wasn’t. But there has been a sense for a few weeks now he hasn’t quite been able to replicate the outstanding form that made him such a surprise success in a defensive midfield role earlier in the campaign.

The FA Cup third round tie against League Two side Accrington Stanley on Saturday appears the obvious time for a breather. And Gravenberch’s midfield partner Alexis Mac Allister is evidence of a rested development, the Argentine – who sat out two games last month through suspension – again impressive here.

Curtis Jones, though, was again below his best, with Liverpool sorely missing the energy and physicality of the again absent Dominik Szoboszlai in the engine room.

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