Liverpool advanced into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
The Reds atoned for their 2-1 Premier League loss against Rob Edwards’ side three days earlier, with Andy Robertson, Mo Salah and Curtis Jones on target in the second half. Arne Slot’s side went through the gears after a sterile opening 45 minutes, with their name safely ensconced in the hat for the next round.
Match report
Just like the league meeting, Liverpool dominated the ball in the first half but created a dearth of clear-cut chances. Rio Ngumoha was a livewire and had a shot saved, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister having efforts that didn’t trouble the home side.
But within nine minutes of the second half, Liverpool were ahead by two goals. In the 51st minute, Robertson was fed the ball 20 yards from goal and his arrowing shot picked out the far corner.
Two minutes later, Robertson turned provider as the Reds doubled the advantage, with his cross picking out Salah at the far post. While Salah was initially flagged offside, a VAR review deemed that the winger had timed his run to perfection and the original decision was overturned.
Then, with 16 minutes remaining, Liverpool wrapped up their triumph when Jones drove towards goal and produced a deadly finish from just outside the area.
Slot’s troops were unable to keep a clean sheet, though, with Hwang Hee-chan netting a consolation for Wolves in stoppage-time. Nevertheless, it was a much better performance overall, with Liverpool the first team to be in the draw for the quarter-finals.
Liverpool player ratings vs Wolves
9. Mo Salah - 7
Hardly did a tap in the first half and corners not good enough. But made his mark in the second half, keeping the ball really well before the opener and then timing his run to perfection for the second goal. Photo: Carl Recine
10. Rio Ngumoha - 8
The brightspark in the first half as he constantly got Wolves on the backfoot and had one shot saved. Continued to test Wolves after the break, lashing one shot not too far wide. Subbed in the 69th minute. | Getty Images
11. Cody Gakpo - 6
Had an offside header go off the post in the first half. Gave Liverpool more of a focal point after the break. Subbed in the closing stages. | Getty Images
12. Sub 1 - Jeremie Frimpong
Couldn't take a decent opportunity. | Getty Images