Andy Robertson has poked fun at Diogo Jota’s ball control after Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-0 last night.
The Portuguese forward scored the games opening goal. But speaking to LFCTV GO (2mins 48secs) after the game, Robertson had a joke at his teammate’s expense.
“We just want to win football matches and if we do that then it gives us a chance. If Diogo Jota controls the ball a bit better during games then we might…” said Robbo, looking off camera with a mischievous grin.
Jota, waiting to give his own post-match thoughts, can be heard laughing along as Robertson chuckles away. Classic Robbo.
A timely return amongst the goals
Robertson may have been joking, but it wasn’t a brilliant performance from Jota for much of the game.
The 25-year-old has looked out-of-sorts since returning from an ankle injury at the end of February. Without a goal in seven games since then, it looked as though that would stretch to eight as Roberto Firmino geared up to replace him just before the hour.
But then Jota got his chance. Peeling away from the Arsenal defence, Thiago Alcantara’s inch-perfect pass found him racing through on goal.
Then Jota did what Jota does best. He shouldn’t have been allowed to squeeze it past Aaron Ramsdale at the near-post, but somehow he did. The number 20 will have been relived to see the net ripple for the 13th time in the Premier League this season.
Hopefully that can give Jota the launchpad for a strong run-in. He may have been continuing to play his way out of Jurgen Klopp’s strongest front three had he not scored. But his ability to pop-up with a goal is an invaluable quality to have.
Manchester City’s lack of a recognised striker is well documented. In Jota, Liverpool have one of the finest goal-poachers in the Premier League.
When the margins between the top two are so thin, that kind of edge can make all the difference when all is said and done.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
