The Portuguese international was on the scoresheet for the first time in 12 months as the Reds thrashed Leeds at Elland Road
Diogo Jota scored his first Liverpool goals in more than a year as the Reds battered Leeds 6-1 to keep their faint hopes of a top-four finish flickering.
First-half strikes from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah had Jurgen Klopp's side in control at the break at Elland Road, but Luis Sinisterra punished Ibrahima Konate's dreadful error shortly after the restart to give the home side hope.
Jota, though, restored the visitors' two-goal cushion soon after, and after Salah had rounded off a flowing move with his second of the night, the Portuguese international helped himself to another to ensure his goal drought was well and truly over. Substitute Darwin Nunez wrapped up the scoring late on.
An excellent away day – a rarity for Liverpool this season – was capped late on when they were able to welcome Luis Diaz back from injury, with the Colombian star making his first appearance in more than six months.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Elland Road…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (6/10):
Not much to do until Konate's error. Not much to do after it.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (9/10):
Played pretty much as a central midfielder, and did it superbly. Assist for the opener and another for Nunez to seal the win. Great performance.
Ibrahima Konate (5/10):
Dreadful error to let Leeds back into the game early in the second half. Responded well to it though.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10):
Comfortable in the first half, a little less so in the second but he's had many tougher nights than this.
Andy Robertson (8/10):
What a brilliant run and cross for the fourth goal. Defended superbly all night.
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Fabinho (6/10):
A mile off the pace again in the first half. Much better after the break but still a huge worry for Klopp.
Jordan Henderson (7/10):
Lots of selfless work covering as Alexander-Arnold came inside, and a fine assist for Jota's second.
Curtis Jones (7/10):
Worked hard without the ball, and produced a wonderful assist for Jota. Justified his inclusion.
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Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Brilliant finish for the second goal, and a clinical one for the fourth. Nine goals in six games against Leeds now.
Cody Gakpo (8/10):
In the right place to open the scoring, and provided a lovely, unselfish assist for Salah's second. Classy.
Diogo Jota (8/10):
The drought is over! Two goals and an assist will do wonders for his confidence. He took his goals superbly and his assist for Salah was excellent.
Subs & Manager
Luis Diaz (6/10):
Great to see him back after so long out. Got just over 10 minutes.
Darwin Nunez (7/10):
Came on and got his goal.
James Milner (6/10):
Got a generous reception from his former fans.
Roberto Firmino (6/10):
On late with the game won.
Thiago Alcantara (N/A):
On for the last five minutes.
Jurgen Klopp (9/10):
His gambles – Jones and Jota – both paid off, and he was able to welcome back Diaz after six months out. Decent night's work!
