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Liverpool 2 – 2 Wolves – FA Cup Player Ratings

Starting XI

Alisson Becker – 5.0

Confirmed as the FA Cup keeper again, he’s been the reds best player so far this season. In a rare moment of uncertainty, he gave away the opening goal with a very poor pass out. Made a solid save shortly thereafter, and it’s very tough to point the finger at someone that has saved us so often. The second goal conceded was a tough watch, with so many things wrong with our defence.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0

With his form looking better than before the World Cup, he would have been keen to service his new back post target. He looked lively from the start, yet would constantly be chasing back whenever Wolves broke free. The assist for the reds equaliser was excellent, and helped to paper over the cracks of that weak first half. His second half effort and final third play was of a high level, yet the whole defence just looked too open at times.

Subbed – 83 mins

Andy Robertson – 5.0

A recall for the Scot after the Kostas horror show last week. Showed good energy and tried to link with his new LF from the start. Was a little poor on the ball at times, yet like most of the team, his form improved slightly in the second half.

Joel Matip – 5.0

Started ahead of Joe Gomez, in what will surely be the preferred centre back pairing for the foreseeable future. He was complacent at the start as the away team seemed alert. He grew into the games pace as the reds picked up their tempo in the second half. Should have done better for the second goal, and was loose in possession at times.

Ibrahima Konate – 7.0

A vital defender right now, especially with the Virgil injury. Was drawn into too many foot races early on, as the reds once again struggled to contain oncoming attacks. Was able to handle much of the defensive coverage as the reds took the lead.

Fabinho – 6.0

Hopefully another step back towards his best form with an FA Cup start. Looked slow to the challenge at times as the Wolves midfield looked more vibrant in the first half. Started the second half well and tried to progress the ball quicker.

Subbed – 73mins

Thiago Alcantara – 6.0

Perhaps a surprise starter, yet the need for more rhythm in this side is vital right now. His losing of the ball (just before the goal) was the start of what went wrong, and he was hassled whenever in possession. His overall play improved on the ball, with an open nature to the game.

Jordan Henderson – 5.0

Straight back into the team after his concussion. Struggled to keep pace with his opponents, as his midfield was commonly bypassed through the first half. Started the second half better, as the reds picked up their game. Drifted away once more, as he struggled to match the endeavour of his opponents.

Subbed – 68 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

Another start for the Egyptian King. Looked lively early on, as he tried to impact the game. With second half starting 1-1, Mo started bright once more as the reds looked to impose their will. His early second half goal was exquisite, with a real awareness and calmness in his finish.

Subbed – 83 mins

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

A home debut for the reds new forward. A really bright start and great touch led to a half chance, before drifting out of the first period. The second half brought a wonderful floated pass for Mo, with an incisive ball into the box making the reds second goal. A good first appearance.

Subbed – 83 mins

Darwin Nunez – 7.0

Straight through the middle in a tantalising front three. He was soon left chasing hopeful balls as the reds struggled to find decent patterns of play. His finish for the equaliser was wonderful, with a real elegance to his strike. Showed moments of real danger in the second half, as the game became a real cup tie affair.

Subs;

Naby Keita – 7.0 (on 68)

Came in to add more control, and looked good on and off the ball. Should start the next game.

Harvey Elliott  – 5.0 (on 73)

Looked weak once more in midfield, with a couple of good moments higher up.

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 5.0 (on 83)

Came on.

Joe Gomez – 5.0 (on 83)

Again, on to help the defence.

Doak – 6.0 (on 83)

More minutes and lively.

The Manager;

Jurgen Klopp – 5.0

The more you look at what occurred last Monday and the break before a trip to Brighton next Saturday, it became obvious that the manager would roll out his strongest possible eleven. With Cody Gakpo now registered and ready to start, the German did not hesitate in naming his new Dutch forward. With a horror show against Brentford still fresh in everyone’s memory, this starting eleven was clearly about stabilising that which has been so inconsistent.

His team started well, yet the open nature of the midfield was again exploited, alongside the very casual style of progression from the back. Wolves hassled their way into a lead, with the half ending only due to a spectacular assist and finish.

The second half saw more urgency in the home side, which led to a very well-orchestrated goal from Salah. The continued inability to control incoming attacks made the visitors second goal almost inevitable.

The latter game substitutes showed more of a willingness to protect players than hunt the win, as the second half became an end-to-end affair. Would have liked the look of Matheus Nunes.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Wolves

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