Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: 4 talking points from Carabao Cup exit

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel (L) and Arsenal's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (R) react at the end of the game during the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 20, 2022. - Liverpool won the game 2-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (R) controls the ball as Liverpool’s English midfielder Jordan Henderson (L) and Liverpool’s Scottish defender Andrew Robertson (C) close in during the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. Gabriel Martinelli The Pick of the Bunch

The Brazilian winger was a beacon of energy and commitment all night. After terrorizing Alexander-Arnold in the first 15 minutes he went quiet, like the rest of his team, as Liverpool understood his threat and reacted on it.

However, whenever the ball was near his area, his trademark energy and relentless aggression on the ball were clearly noticeable. He was so dangerous in the first half that he forced Joel Matip to be subbed off.

It was clear that other players such as Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe were not fully fit after their injury concerns, and Martinelli again put in a huge physical shift for his team. He did have a glorious chance after Liverpool’s second goal as the ball popped up nicely for him, however, his shot sailed over the bar as Arsenal crashed out of the competition.

Everything about the team was poor tonight and even Martinelli went missing for large portions of the game, but the endeavor was there for all to see, something that can’t be said for others.

Equally, it mustn’t go unmentioned that Martin Odegaard showed his ability several times with his neat flicks and fancy feet to open up space. He oozed class all night. But, aside from that, the Arsenal team was found wanting against Liverpool.

If anyone was in any doubt about Martinelli, this is what the opposing manager, Jurgen Klopp, said, unprompted, after the game: “Martinelli, by the way, everyone should remember that name. Outstanding player.”

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