Back to back?
Arne Slott is determined to win the Carabao Cup again this year.
Liverpool got their hands on the trophy in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell campaign last season, claiming some silverware.
Now, Slott wants to make it back-to-back successes.
After his side reached the semi-finals, he told Sky Sports: “We have to defend the trophy because the club won it last season.
“I wasn’t involved in it, but the players were and, of course, Jurgen [Klopp] was with his staff.
“As a club, we want to compete for all the trophies. But we are also aware of Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United.
“It’s a tough competition for sure.”
‘Starting to see the best of him’
Sandro Tonali scored his first two goals since making his Newcastle debut last season in his side’s 3-1 win over Brentford tonight.
It was his first club goal since returning from suspension.
So it was a perfect night for the Italian midfielder and his manager Eddie Howe was delighted with his form.
“I thought we scored some really good goals,” Howe said.
“It’s great to see Sandro score the two. A really good feeling about the group at the moment.
“We’re building confidence all the time.”
Continuing with Tonali, he added: “We are starting to see him at his best. The change in position has definitely helped him.
“He is much more comfortable when he is deep on the pitch. He shows all the qualities we knew when we signed him.
“It’s just about finding the right balance for him and the team.”
Hat-trick hero
Mikel Arteta has praised Gabriel Jesus for his match-winning hat-trick at the Emirates that sent Arsenal flying.
Jesus has struggled for minutes this season and had scored just once in all competitions before tonight.
Arteta said: “I’m very pleased for him. It’s been a long time for him without a goal.
“He was involved in a lot of action, scoring three goals.
“It’s great for the team that we can rely on a player of that quality.”
The Gunners boss continued: “It’s about consistency now.
“It’s a spark moment that will bring the team so much that we can count on him to change the game.
“We have to give him more opportunities.”
