
Wolves 1 - 3 Liverpool - PL Player Ratings
Wolves 1 – 3 Liverpool – PL Player Ratings
Match day 5 for the reds, with a dreaded lunch time kick off following the international break. After the long flights, injuries, and suspensions, causing significant changes to the side, the reds German manager started with the below eleven. The fanbase was tense.
#WOLLIV TEAM NEWS IS IN!
Here’s how we line up at Molineux this afternoon:
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 16, 2023
Alisson Becker – 7.0
Was unlucky to concede the opening goal, as Hwang fired low and hard, with the ball drifting just inches over the line. The undisputed world’s best keeper was steady as a rock and was called upon throughput the disappointment of a first half. Ali was a mere spectator in the second period as the visitors brought on the South American fire, yet his first half contribution and handling kept our hopes alive.
Jarell Quansah – 7.0
Started the game and effortlessly took about his duties with aplomb. Calm and assured in his work and tracked runners as required, through a difficult first half of counter attacking threat. Stayed alert through the less challenging second half and was withdrawn later to a deserved ovation of approval.
A star is born, maybe.
Subbed – 83 mins
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The match day captain and pretty much the leader of the team. Was very unlucky to see the ball squirm through his legs for the first goal, as positionally he was pretty much where he needed to be. As expected, he was the up and down engine of the left flank with a delightful goal to win pretty much win the game. Robbo is having a bounce back year and you love to see it.
Joël Matip – 6.0
Another solid game, despite some hairy moments when attempting to deal with Wolves Lacey attacks. Marshalled the back line well, especially as he was pitted in between a makeshift right back and novice centre back. As much of the side, he improved alongside his team as the rust wore off and quality overcame over exuberant displays.
Joe Gomez – 6.0
A funny game where he could not figure out the system in a disjointed first half, that rose to very good levels in a simpler yet more attack minded second. He looks back, not back could not, but back and reliable when needed. Will be glad to be done with Neto.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0
The maverick of the team and ultimately the man that dragged his team over the line, for another vital three points. No one was good in that first half, apart from maybe Ali, Jarell, and Robbo. With the manager throwing caution to the wind, he banked on quality overcoming the spirited home assault. Central to that was the elite level play of Hungary’s captain marvel. The second half was a Clinique of control and decision making, as the former RB Leipzig man ran the comeback half
Man of the match
Alexis Mac Allister – 3.0
A very poor first half as the only South American deemed a necessary starter. He was second to most things in the first half, as the home time showed a desire that neither Argentina players legs or defensive awareness could match. A bad day for a defensive midfielder that is neither a specialist in that role, nor held the required time to start a game after his international exploits. Nothing to worry about.
Subbed – 45 mins
Curtis Jones – 6.0
A solid enough game where he drifted through the good and the bad with equal consistency, relative to his team’s form in each half. This is the kind of level par performance that is sometimes needed within a rock and roll team; therefore, he is fast becoming a firm Klopp favourite.
Cody Gakpo – 5.0
If not for his equalising goal, the rating was drifting into Jota or even Mac Allister territory. His position in the team is unsure with a lack of self believe at times. He was on his way out of the game before he found himself on the end of a brilliantly driven Mohamed Salah cross. Quickly dropping into the second team, with Europa and domestic cups on his plate.
Subbed – 56 mins
Diogo Jota – 4.0
The inconsistency in his game worries me, as unless he is scoring, he is struggling to truly contribute. Was keen yet still poor with his overall output. Needs more than just a knack of scoring, especially when that knack is fast becoming a thing of myth.
Subbed – 56 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
Players are he is most certainly profiting from the Egyptians creation, with two assists to round off a superb overall match output. Mo was hassled and surrounded in the first half and seemed to learn that a give and go (or through ball) is sometimes more effective. Unlucky not to have three assists, with Harvey rounded off a solid comeback half.
Mohamed Salah has now provided more Premier League assists (63) than any other African player in the competition’s history, breaking Riyad Mahrez’s record.
The Egyptian King reigns supreme. pic.twitter.com/vudDVKH50o
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 16, 2023
Subs;
Luis Diaz – 7.0 (on 45)
Brought a vibrant electricity when the lights were dim. Unpredictable on his play and allowed the landscape of the match to change with his urgent intervention.
Darwin Núñez – 7.0 (on 56)
The agent of chaos helped turn the tide and create a swarming attack. So vital to what could be built here and must start next weekend.
Harvey Elliott – 7.0 (on 56)
A bright spark and ball of energy that brought something different to the final third. The final goal was his doing, with an own goal coming from his shot.
Ibrahima Konate – 6.0 (on 56)
Lively to see the big man return to help close shop.
Ryan Gravenberch – N/A (on 56)
Caused some drama late in the penalty area and will be pleased to get on the pitch before his first start next Thursday evening.
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 8.0
So hard to be critical when many odds are stacked against the German manager. The starting lineup was orchestrated to contain a team that was clearly intent on attacking an over travelled and make shift (of sorts) visiting team.
The first half was horrid and the reds were lucky to escape that period just a goal behind. The boss as proactive and confident in making his changes, with a clear desire to unleash second half fury. Every change made sense and the timings were what was needed to impact the result.
A good day, again.
I think we’ve now seen enough evidence to suggest that Liverpool are a serious football team again. They just keep passing every test (red cards, conceding first, international hangovers) and that is down to a strong mentality but also a pretty ridiculous squad depth.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) September 16, 2023
Pre-match Prediction;
Wolves 2 – 4 Liverpool