Liverpool triumphs in EFL Cup clash against Nottingham Forest

Liverpool defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground to advance to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

The Reds took an early lead in the 21st minute with a goal from Diogo Jota, who headed home a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 87th minute through Takumi Minamino, who tapped into an empty net after a brilliant run and cross from Luis Diaz.

Liverpool controlled the match throughout, with 63% possession and 16 shots on goal. Nottingham Forest managed just 4 shots on goal, with only 1 on target.

The win was Liverpool's eighth in a row in all competitions, and they will now face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

Jota and Minamino goals send Liverpool into EFL Cup semi-finals

Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino scored the goals as Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

Jota, who returned to the starting line-up after missing the last two games with a knock, opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a close-range header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.

Minamino, who replaced the injured Roberto Firmino in the starting eleven, made it 2-0 in the 87th minute with a tap-in after being set up by Luis Diaz.

Klopp praises Liverpool's performance

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted with his team's performance, saying: "It was a very good performance, especially in the first half. We played with intensity, we were aggressive, we won the ball and we created chances."

Klopp also praised the goalscorers, saying: "Diogo Jota is a fantastic player, he's so important for us. He's always in the right place at the right time and he takes his chances. Takumi Minamino is also a very good player, he's very clever and he works hard for the team."

Liverpool to face Arsenal in EFL Cup semi-finals

Liverpool will now face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. The first leg will be played at Anfield on January 6, with the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on January 20.

Klopp is looking forward to the tie, saying: "Arsenal are a very good team, they're in good form and they have a lot of quality. It will be a tough tie, but we're confident that we can win it."