When Mohamed Salah departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, you wouldn’t have blamed the Liverpool fans if they feared the worst and how their form could possibly drop.
The Egypt star has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season and is a key reason why Liverpool are sitting top of the Premier League table.
But in the absence of the now-injured Mohamed Salah, one man has stepped up and delivered the goods for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool – Diogo Jota.
And ahead of the mouthwatering Premier League title clash against Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates, the £41 million signing is going to want to add to his outstanding form and record.
Former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke admitted that he isn’t looking forward to watching his team face up against Diogo Jota by stating that he ‘worries me’, as he told talkSPORT (04/02/24 at 8:15 am).
The Liverpool star’s record, not just against the Gunners, but at the Emirates itself, was brought up and how he averages a goal or an assist ‘every 41 minutes’.
Well, after playing only 31 minutes during the FA Cup win recently, he assisted during his small time on the pitch.
And you would imagine that the in-form attacker is going to prove to be Arsenal’s biggest threat as the Premier League title race is set to take a few more twist and turns.
Diogo Jota’s record against Arsenal
“Jota worries me,” said Clarke. “He played outstandingly I thought against Chelsea, with and without the ball.
“Jota has got a ridiculous record at the Emirates Stadium. He always scores and he always assists. He is a real threat.
“He loves the Emirates. He has averaged a goal or an assist every 41 minutes at the stadium. That’s not bad for an away player.”
Diogo Jota proving to be Mr Valuable
If it wasn’t for injuries, then you imagine Jota’s record of 54 goals in 138 Liverpool games would be far better than it already is.
Not only has he played sporadically, at times, but he has also played second fiddle to the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Salah.
What’s even more impressive is that when he has been asked to step up, such as Salah going away for the AFCONs, he is the one sticking his chest out and proving his worth.
And whilst the previous games Liverpool have been without Salah could take of themselves, the same doesn’t apply for this game against Arsenal.
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