ReactionDiogo Jota interview: Fulham win, killer goal and a massive week

The Portugal forward was included in the Reds’ XI for the first time since February after injury, and netted his side’s third of the afternoon at Craven Cottage with a textbook, clinical finish.

Jota’s 72nd-minute strike – his 100th in English football – put the result beyond doubt, with Ryan Gravenberch having edged the visitors back in front after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Timothy Castagne had traded first-half goals.

The No.20 told Liverpoolfc.com: “It was massive for me and for the team as well, that goal always gives you an extra bit of comfort on the lead, it kind of kills the game. I think it was massive for me and for the team, so I’m happy for that.

“I was waiting for my chance for the whole game until that point. I knew I was probably not going to make [play] all the game because I’m just coming back after around three months.

“So, yeah, really important for me that I took my chance today and will take that into the next game.”

Assessing the team’s collective performance in the capital, Jota added: “I think pretty much everything we did [was key to the victory]. The game was pretty much very good from our side, except for maybe the last 15 [minutes] in the first half when they had a bit of momentum and we couldn’t control it.

“But I think generally we played good, we avoided them having the ball, we created some chances, we scored goals, so I think [it was] really positive today.”

Liverpool now sit level on points with Arsenal, who lead the Premier League from them on goal difference only, and one point above Manchester City, who have a game in hand on both the Reds and the Gunners.

Jürgen Klopp’s side have five matches left to play in the top flight this season, starting with Wednesday’s visit to Everton, which is followed by a Saturday lunchtime trip to West Ham United.

Jota said: “We know to have a chance we need to win our remaining games and this week is massive because we have a short time to rest and a lot of away games.

“So, we did the first one but the Merseyside derby is next with a quick turnaround and we go again.”