Liverpool’s Premier League top-five credentials took a blow as they conceded their latest stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Andre Trindade’s 94th-minute deflection was hardly deserved, but the Reds’ listless performance didn’t warrant a victory, either. Mo Salah had thought he had rescued Arne Slot’s side a point in what was a largely drab encounter that will hardly whet the appetite for a rematch in the FA Cup fifth round later this week.
More importantly, Liverpool spurned the chance to strengthen their hand in the race for Champions League qualification, with an opportunity to go six points above Chelsea missed.
Match report
The first half was a dour affair, with neither side having a clear-cut chance. Liverpool had the more threatening moments, with Cody Gakpo shooting into the arms of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa while Jeremie Frimpong blazed an effort over the crossbar.
The second period didn’t get much better. Liverpool did hit the woodwork in the 51st minute when substitute Curtis Jones was involved as the back post. However, they struggled to really put Wolves under any pressure. And with 12 minutes remaining, the home side delivered Liverpool a blow when they grasped a rare opportunity, with Rodrigo Gomes applying a neat finish over the onrushing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Reds needed a response and almost got one immediately when Rio Ngumoha’s shot was saved onto the post by Sa. Yet on 83 minutes, they were level via a bit of fortune. Jean-Ricner-Bellegarde played a loose pass into the path of Salah, who drove at the defence and shot with the outside of his boot, with Sa getting something on the effort but couldn’t keep it out.
And moments later, Liverpool wasted the chance to flip the game on its head when they had numbers in attack but Salah held onto the ball for too long and his square pass was read by Wolves’ defence.
That prolificacy would cost the Reds as they conceded a stoppage-time goal for the fifth time this season. On 94 minutes, Andre’s shot took a wicked deflection off Joe Gomez, leaving Alisson stranded in the visitors’ goal - and sending the home faithful into ecstasy and leaving Liverpool crestfallen.
While there is an opportunity to settle the score in the rematch against Wolves on Friday, the defeat is undoubtedly damaging in a razor-tight battle for the Champions League spots - and the laboured performance a concern.
Liverpool player ratings
Barely had anything to do in the first half. Not a chance with either goal but kick out was so poor before Wolves' second.
1. Alisson Becker - 5
Barely had anything to do in the first half. Not a chance with either goal but kick out was so poor before Wolves' second. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Tried to provide an outlet in the first half but couldn't keep a decent opportunity down. Not too much from him after the break before being subbed in the 71st minute.
2. Jeremie Frimpong - 6
Tried to provide an outlet in the first half but couldn't keep a decent opportunity down. Not too much from him after the break before being subbed in the 71st minute. | Getty Images
Dealt with everything in the first half. Did well in the second half before getting dragged over to the ball, leaving Gomes free and couldn't make up the ground. Subbed after Wolves' breakthrough.
3. Ibrahima Konate - 5
Dealt with everything in the first half. Did well in the second half before getting dragged over to the ball, leaving Gomes free and couldn't make up the ground. Subbed after Wolves' breakthrough. | Getty Images
Played one raking pass for Salah in the first half and didn't put a foot wrong. But nudged too easily before Wolves' first goal and had to do better with a header.
4. Virgil van Dijk - 5
Played one raking pass for Salah in the first half and didn't put a foot wrong. But nudged too easily before Wolves' first goal and had to do better with a header. | Getty Images