Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool didn’t show up against Wolves on Tuesday night, but they can redeem themselves when they return to Molineux on Friday.
The two occasions in the second half when Wolves found themselves near Alisson Becker’s goal ended with the ball in the back of the net.
But to put the win down to luck lets Arne Slot’s side off the hook.
If they are to progress to the next round of the FA Cup, there are a few problems they need to address – one in every outfield department.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield
Credit: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images
The Ibrahima Konate mistake Slot keeps making
Hopefully, 11th time’s the charm when it comes to an Ibrahima Konate call that hasn’t proved effective.
Slot took Konate off for Federico Chiesa in the 79th minute as Liverpool searched for an equaliser.
He has made that decision with the Frenchman 11 times since arriving at Anfield, and Liverpool have only managed to turn around the deficit once.
It’s not a terrible idea in theory, but there’s too much evidence suggesting the loss outweighs the gains of bringing on an extra forward. That was never more clear than when Andre’s 94th-minute winner sent Molineux into a frenzy.
Dominik Szoboszlai should never be deeper than Jones
Ryan Gravenberch was playing on the limit and was taken off at the break on a yellow.
Curtis Jones came in and assumed an advanced midfield position with Dominik Szoboszlai dropping deeper
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates with Curtis Jones of Liverpool after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at Frankfurt Stadion
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
That makes no sense. One has been a constant attacking threat this season and the other has been in and out of the side, doing his best work gathering the ball from the back.
Maybe it was an experiment from Slot, but not one worth repeating.
Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo can’t start against Wolves
Two of the biggest non-factors of the tie were Liverpool’s starting wingers, who looked leggy and largely anonymous against a compact Wolves low block.
Salah struggled to exert his usual influence while Gakpo’s lack of directness meant the visitors rarely stretched the play or threatened the channels.
Virgil van Dijk losing with Liverpool
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Slot needs to stop banking on reputation and instead turn to a fresh spark like Rio Ngumoha — or even Jeremie Frimong.