Opinion: Forgotten Liverpool ace Joe Gomez was the standout in FA Cup win

Liverpool progressed to the FA Cup semi-final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Despite being unable to show their best form for large periods of the contest, the Reds were able to qualify for the final four and a Wembley showdown with Manchester City. 

Clinical frontman Diogo Jota scored the only goal of the game having been below par for the most part. 

However, stand-in right-back Joe Gomez was the most impressive performer from Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Joe Gomez vs Nottingham Forest

• 49/54 (91%) passes
• 1 chance created
• 86 touches (2nd in game)
• 3 shots (=1st)
• 1/2 dribbles
• 2/2 tackles
• 3 clearances (1st for LFC)
• 1 interception
• Not dribbled past
• Clean sheet

Impressive performance at right back 👌 pic.twitter.com/5goTMat7H2

— LFC Stats (@LFCData) March 20, 2022

The 24-year-old made two interceptions, two tackles, and one key pass whilst completing 51/56 passes (Sofascore). 

This was the England international’s 15th appearance of the season so far and a fifth as a right-back. 

Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players overall…

READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

XI: Alisson 7; Joe Gomez 9, Ibrahima Konate 7, Virgil van Dijk 6, Kostas Tsimikas 7; Fabinho 7, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Naby Keita 6; Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota 7, Roberto Firmino 7. 

Subs: Luis Diaz 6, Jordan Henderson 6, Takumi Minamino 6, Thiago 7. 

This was a timely reminder of the talent Gomez still possesses and could end up seeing the London-born ace get the nod over James Milner in the coming weeks. 

Elsewhere it was a far from polished performance by the Reds, with Jota particularly out of sorts either side of the match-winning moment.

Nevertheless, Klopp’s men march on.