Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's importance to Arsenal was again underlined in another excellent Wembley performance.
The Gabon international, who netted twice against Chelsea to lift the FA Cup final at the start of the month, cut inside from the left and whipped the ball into the far corner in glorious style to put the Gunners ahead.
The former Borussia Dortmund continued to torment the Liverpool's defence, exposing inexperienced right-back Neco Williams.
When Aubameyang strode up to take the last spot kick, with the score 4-4 in the shootout, there was absolutely no way he was going to miss.
The 31-year-old has notched 71 goals in 110 Arsenal games and no Gunners player has scored more than his five goals at the national stadium.
The future looks bright in north London after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta he was 'pretty confident' his captain will sign a new deal after a long wait for fans.
After lifting their second piece of silverware in the month of August, it would seal a satisfactory few months for Arsenal if Aubameyang does eventually sign up long-term.