Wolves 1 – 3 Liverpool: FA Cup Player Ratings
The FA Cup 5th round kicked off with Wolves looking to grab another win over Liverpool, as the reigning Premier League champions fought to reclaim lost form.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was a relative bystander as his team controlled territory and opportunities in the opening 45 minutes.
After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was strong to intercept high balls into the box and the home side looked to attack the box.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian international was tasked as the starting right back and was able to progress the ball from deep and from wider positions. A stinging shot from distance looked like it might open the scoring.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was able to bring composure and variety on the ball from deep. Was at fault for the consolation goal as the long punt should have been dealt with.
Andy Robertson – 9.0
The Scotland international was able to move freely up and down the line and ensure he was able to support Rio on the flank.
After the break, the veteran full-back was able to open the scoring with a superb strike from distance. The scorer then assisted with a superb cross moments later.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
The England international was calm and confident from the outset as he used his pace to react to counterattacks.
In the second half, the former Charlton man was always a solid and dependable foil for his skipper.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was steady and vocal as he looked to pin Wolves in their own half.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was needed to clear his lines with strong defensive play as Wolves started the half strongly.
Subbed – 80 mins
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
The Argentine international was the controller and man tasked with holding the middle ground as others moved to attack space.
After the break, the former Brighton star was again the responsibility-driven entity in the middle.
Subbed – 80 mins
Curtis Jones – 8.0
The England international was able to move around the pitch and press intelligently as part of a midfield three.
In the second half the former academy graduate was always willing to work and his perseverance brought a fine goal with a left-footed effort from the edge of the area.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
The Dutch midfielder was very clever and vibrant on the ball as he tried to move forward with intent.
After the restart, the underperforming star was effective and able to assist Curtis Jones for the third goal of the night.
Rio Ngumoha – 9.0
The teenage attacker was electric and incisive in the first half as he attacked with pure instinct and speed to create opportunities time and time again.
In the second half, the elite potential winger was again delightful and full of invention as he threatened the Wolves’ backline continually.
Subbed – 68 mins
Man of the Match
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
The record-breaking attacker was a little underused in the first half as much of the play was driven towards the right-hand side and a prodigy half his age.
After the break, the former Chelsea forward was able to hockey assist with good dribbling and awareness for the opening goal. The legendary attacker scored moments later emphatically.
Subbed – 68 mins
Cody Gakpo – 7.0
The Dutch attacker was able to hold the middle and link play as many of the patterns of play were undertaken from wide.
After the intermission, the former PSV star was able to break with pace and allow the counter that brought the opening goal.
Subbed – 85 mins
Substitutions;
Jeremie Frimpong – 7.0 (on 68)
Came on to add pace to the right flank.
Florian Wirtz – 7.0 (on 68)
Came on to bring different levels of threat from wide.
Ibrahima Konat̩ Р6.0 (on 80)
Came on to add more defensive solidity.
Trey Nyoni – 6.0 (on 80)
Came on to add more energy.
Kieran Morrison – 6.0 (on 85)
Came on to make his FA Cup debut.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 9.0
The starting lineup was as expected and built to bring a better result than that which unfolded on Tuesday.
The substitutions were well timed and allowed a rest period for some, as well as minutes for others.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Wolves 1 – 2 Liverpool
