Today’s back pages: Firmino to the rescue as Liverpool reach Club World Cup final

Klopp hails Firmino and Alisson

Roberto Firmino came to Liverpool’s rescue, The Times reports, after scoring a stoppage-time winner to send the Champions League holders into the final of the Fifa Club World Cup.

In last night’s semi-final against Monterrey Naby Keita gave Liverpool the lead after 11 minutes, but the Mexican side were level shortly afterwards through Rogelio Funes Mori.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp made changes in the second half by bringing on Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and it was the duo who combined for the winner on 91 minutes. England right-back Alexander-Arnold played in a low cross which Firmino converted from close range.

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After the match Brazilian striker Firmino was hailed by Klopp for his late winner, who said: “I was actually afraid of extra time so I was more than happy that Bobby scored that goal.”

Klopp also praised Firmino’s fellow Brazilian, goalkeeper Alisson Becker. “All you need is Alisson Becker, Alisson Becker,” he added. “He was there in the decisive moments. A really hard game and then you can bring on the boys.”

It will be a “Pool party” in Qatar on Saturday, says the Daily Star, when Klopp’s men face Brazilian side Flamengo in the final. Kick-off is at 5.30pm and the match is live on BBC One.

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Arteta on his way

Manchester City may have won 3-1 last night in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Oxford, but they are set to lose Mikel Arteta, Metro reports.

Spaniard Arteta, Pep Guardiola’s assistant, is poised to join Arsenal and become the new manager at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are holding final talks with Arteta’s lawyers, says The Guardian, after City boss Guardiola accepted his assistant’s wish to leave City.

Today’s newspaper back pages

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