Liverpool moved into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a convincing 3–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Friday night.
Liverpool moved into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a convincing 3–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Friday night.
The FA Cup is the oldest domestic knockout competition in world football.
Clubs from across England compete in a straight elimination format.
For Liverpool, it remains one of the key trophies available this season.
Arne Slot rotated his side slightly for the tie.
Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson returned to the defence.
Curtis Jones and Rio Ngumoha also started.
Florian Wirtz began the match on the bench after dealing with a back issue.
Liverpool controlled the opening stages.
The Reds had most of the possession and created several chances before the break.
Cody Gakpo thought he had opened the scoring when he headed in from a Ryan Gravenberch cross.
However, the effort was ruled out for offside.
Alexis Mac Allister also went close with a driven effort from outside the box. Sam Johnstone produced a solid save to keep the score level.
Ngumoha tested the Wolves goalkeeper as well with a low strike from the flank.
The breakthrough finally came early in the second half. Robertson drove forward and fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner to give Liverpool the lead.
Only two minutes later the Reds doubled their advantage. Robertson turned provider this time.
His low cross found Mohamed Salah at the back post. Salah finished from close range. The goal stood after a VAR check.
Jones sealed the win in the 74th minute. The midfielder drove forward and placed a calm finish into the bottom corner.
Wolves pulled one goal back in added time through Hwang Hee-chan, but the result was already secure.
Despite the positive result, one moment caused concern for Liverpool supporters late in the match.
During the final quarter-hour, Alexis Mac Allister was caught in a heavy challenge from Hwang Hee-chan.
The midfielder appeared to jar his knee during the collision.
Medical staff treated him on the pitch. He was later substituted in the 82nd minute and replaced by Trey Nyoni.
Mac Allister limped off the pitch, which worried fans ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League match against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
The Argentine midfielder remains an important part of Slot’s midfield structure.
However, the Liverpool head coach has played down concerns about the situation. Slot does not believe the issue is serious.
His reaction has eased fears among supporters ahead of the European fixture.
He said when asked if the midfielder was ok, “I think so, yes.”
For Liverpool fans, that update matters.
The team is building momentum in multiple competitions.
Progress in the FA Cup keeps the trophy dream alive.
At the same time, attention now turns quickly to the Champions League.
Liverpool will hope Mac Allister is available as they prepare for the clash with Galatasaray.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.