Liverpool swept past West Ham on Wednesday evening to make it into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
As holders of the competition, the Reds will be expected to go deep into the tournament as they attempt to defend their final crown won under Jurgen Klopp.
Things did not get off to the best of starts at Anfield, with Jarell Quansah putting the ball into the Liverpool net inside 22 minutes.
But while those in the crowd may have been fearing the worst, the Liverpool squad had other ideas.
Diogo Jota was absolutely key to the Reds turning things around, levelling things up within four minutes of Quansah’s unfortunate error and then burying the go-ahead goal after half-time.
Key to that crucial second goal was Curtis Jones, who put in some fantastic work on the ball before laying it off for Jota. And in celebratory mood after the game, the two players enjoyed a little joke on camera.
Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones share joke
Jamie Carragher hailed Jones for his assist on commentary during the game, even if the Liverpool legend did also admit that he heard a few ‘groans’ from the crowd as the Scouser almost lost the ball.
Jones did indeed very nearly surrender possession just outside the Liverpool penalty area.
Had he lost it there, it’s likely that West Ham would have had a decent chance of scoring to take the lead for a second time.
Instead, Jones glided away from his marker, sauntered up the pitch and after a one-two with Cody Gakpo, slotted it through for Jota.
READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister hailed for ‘sensational’ moment during Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
Although the piece of play must have put Jones in with a shout of the man of the match award, it was eventually given to Jota.
In a nice touch, Jones was the man tasked with handing over the award to his teammate after the pair spoke to Sky Sports following the final whistle.
“Congratulations, brother!” beamed Jones, before Jota chipped in with a little joke. “Like in the goal! Pass it to me,” laughed the Portuguese.
“Yep, there we go! And that’s why he always scores!” replied the Liverpool academy graduate, before the two roared with laughter.
Curtis Jones lays down a marker
It had appeared before the game that Jones needed a big performance against West Ham.
Having fallen out of favour so far under Arne Slot, the Scouser had to make the most of his chance when it presented itself.
In truth, he did not always do that on Wednesday evening. However, the take away moment from his night’s work is certainly the assist for Jota.
It was a piece of play that you could imagine Ryan Gravenberch pulling off these past few weeks and that is about as big a compliment as you can pay Jones right now.
All in all a good night’s work and the 23-year-old can look ahead to a more opportunities in the weeks to come.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
