Jota to fire Liverpool to title – Three things learned in win v Everton
Liverpool remain on course for the Premier League title after the 1-0 win against Everton.
A second-half strike from Diogo Jota was enough to give the Reds all three points at Anfield (2 April) in another close encounter between the sides.
There was a controversial incident when James Tarkowski remained on the pitch despite a horror challenge on Alexis Mac Allister but that did not matter in the end.
Arne Slot’s side restored their 12-point lead at the summit and need just 13 points to win the title after a pulsating derby.
Slot has new right-back option as Jones shines in unfamiliar position
Curtis Jones is highly-regarded by some on Merseyside but usually as a central midfielder rather than a right-back.
However, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley ruled out, the 24-year-old was forced to play as a makeshift defender as Jarell Quansah had to watch on from the bench.
Much like his England counterpart and fellow Reds academy graduate, Jones was able to show off his immense passing range with a wider view of the pitch but also impressed when he was forced to defend.
The Three Lions ace made six recoveries and won three of the five duels that he contested for a 60 per cent success rate [Fotmob] in a brilliant display in a strange new role.
| Stats | Jones v Everton |
| Pass accuracy | 68/73 (93%) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Passes into final third | 9 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Duels won | 3/5 (60%) |
The Liverpudlian may be a new option for Slot if Alexander-Arnold does depart for Real Madrid in the summer.
Chiesa remains in the cold despite Carabao Cup heroics
There was a hope that Federico Chiesa could kickstart his Liverpool career after his consolation in the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle.
The Italian winger has featured just 11 times for the Reds since his summer move from Juventus for a total of 387 minutes.
His 16-minute cameo against the Magpies was the most encouraging moment in his time on Merseyside yet and he deserves to play a role in the run-in.
However, Slot refused to give him an opportunity with his side holding a very tight advantage over their local rivals despite taking off Jota and Luis Diaz.
The Merseysiders have been crying out for fresh impetus in attack and the 27-year-old has impressed on the few occasions that he has been given with his tenacity, directness and ability to create chances out of nothing.
Surely it is only a matter of time before he plays a role once again, if Slot decides to trust him.
Jota finds his form at the right time for Liverpool
Jota has struggled for Liverpool since returning from injury earlier in the season and before the contest he had went 11 matches without scoring leading to question marks over his inclusion in the starting line-up
There had been concerns that the Reds would chose to move on from the former Wolves man in the summer with Slot growing frustrated with his attacking options.
The Anfield outfit still need additions, given the prolifigacy of the Portugal international, Diaz and Darwin Nunez and the uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future, with his contract situation still up in the air.
However, Jota proved that there is still some form in the tank and that he is not finished yet at the top level with a superb finish that left Jordan Pickford dumbfounded.
As well as scoring a vital goal, the 28-year-old was a menace constantly for the Blues backline, taking eight touches in the box and taking five shots, according to Fotmob.
It was a welcome sight to see the ex-Porto ace enjoying his football again and hopefully he can use the momentum to fire the Reds to the title and relieve the burden on Salah in the run-in.