Liverpool participant scores vs Wolves as forgotten 8/10 shines in FA Cup win
Liverpool beat Wolves 3-1 in the FA Cup to reach the quarter-finals as Andy Robertson scored and assisted at Molineux to book their spot in the quarter-final
Andy Robertson was decisive for Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool secured its place in the FA Cup quarter-final draw by comfortably seeing off Wolves just four days after suffering defeat on the same ground in the Premier League.
Once again, the first half remained goalless. Rio Ngumoha appeared threatening to an extent, but whilst he was less predictable than Cody Gakpo, he was confronted with a wall of orange shirts time and again.
A few minutes into the second period, however, a quality pass from Gakpo released Mohamed Salah and the move culminated in Andy Robertson breaking the deadlock with a low drive into the corner. The Scotland skipper then provided Salah with a perfect delivery and Curtis Jones also got his name on the scoresheet.
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Alisson Becker, 6 – Getting the nod ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Brazilian scarcely handled the ball during the opening period. After the interval, he performed his duties adequately but couldn’t prevent Hee-chan Hwang from beating him and ruining what ought to have been a clean sheet.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 – Filling in competently at right-back, his distribution wasn’t consistently accurate and his dynamism was sorely missed in midfield. Like the majority of his colleagues, largely adequate but nothing spectacular.
Joe Gomez, 7 – Offering Ibrahima Konate some respite, he returned to his preferred centre-back position. Alert, pacey and composed in possession throughout, appearing impressive considering his limited recent game time.
Virgil van Dijk, 7 – Engaged in several aerial duels with Tolu Arokodare, emerging victorious, though couldn’t make much headway with the deliveries his colleagues provided from dead-ball situations.
Andy Robertson, 8 – It came as no shock that he was brought in for the cup encounter, and he delivered a sturdy defensive display. Squandered a couple of promising crossing opportunities by overhitting his attempted deliveries early on, but bagged the opener with a truly excellent strike and provided the assist for Liverpool’s second shortly afterwards. Match-winning.
Ryan Gravenberch, 7 – Having featured for just 45 minutes in the previous encounter earlier in the week due to picking up an early caution, the Dutchman appeared far more energetic here, whilst staying clear of disciplinary trouble. Demonstrated his class on several occasions when under pressure, spinning away from his marker.
Alexis Mac Allister, 6 – Someone who could reasonably have benefited from a breather, the Argentine was adequate in the middle of the park but nothing beyond that. His influence was limited and he opted for straightforward options.
Mohamed Salah, 6 – Having found the net against Wolves earlier in the week, he encountered some recurring problems. He struggled to outpace his opponent and his dead-ball deliveries were disappointing. Marginally onside when he scored the Reds’ second.
Curtis Jones, 7 – Operating in midfield rather than at right-back, he was amongst those introduced to inject fresh energy. Saw plenty of the ball, though not as much as he’s capable of initially, and wasn’t as influential as he would have hoped. Finished his goal superbly and like most Liverpool players, raised his performance levels after the interval.
Rio Ngumoha, 7 – Handed the start that many had been demanding, his footwork remained as sharp as ever. Drifting left and right, he managed to vary his approach and keep his different markers on their toes. First half, his final ball was lacking. Second, when space appeared, he began to demonstrate his capabilities.
Cody Gakpo, 6 – Beginning up top to offer Hugo Ekitike a well-deserved break, he found it difficult to influence proceedings in the opening period, vastly outnumbered by three Wolves centre-halves. Improved after the interval but was forced to retreat considerably to find possession at times.
