Wolves 2-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Slot’s Side Fall Apart Late On

4 Mar

Liverpool were punished in stoppage time once again, falling to a 2-1 defeat at Molineux in a performance that was far too slow, far too safe and ultimately far too complacent.

Here’s how the players rated.

Alisson – 6

Largely a spectator in the first half and couldn’t be blamed for either goal. His handling was tidy when required, but a poor clearance in the build-up to the winner didn’t help matters. Not his worst night, but not one that changes anything either.

Jeremie Frimpong – 5

Back in the starting XI but failed to make a real impact. Blazed over badly when presented with an opportunity and looked overly reliant on pace rather than quality. Understandably rusty, but Liverpool needed more.

Ibrahima Konaté – 6

Had little to do for long stretches, but his role in the opening goal won’t go unnoticed. Committed unnecessarily alongside Virgil van Dijk and failed to recover in time. Otherwise solid enough.

Virgil van Dijk – 6

Produced a superb long-range pass that deserved better from Mohamed Salah. Strong for most of the game but not dominant when Wolves took the lead. Missed a big chance late on that could have changed the narrative.

Milos Kerkez – 6

Adequate rather than influential. Struggled at times with Wolves’ pace and was guilty of turning backwards too often. Replaced by Andy Robertson after the break.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5

Frustrating. Loose in possession, negative in creativity and walking a disciplinary tightrope after his booking. Substituted at half-time and couldn’t argue with it.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5

Neat in possession but lacking bite off the ball. Looked leggy as the game wore on and struggled with Wolves’ energy. Questions remain about consistency this season.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

Plenty of running and one long-range effort on target, but not the commanding midfield display Liverpool needed. Did produce an excellent defensive intervention in the second half.

Mohamed Salah – 6

Anonymous for large parts but took his goal well when the chance came. Missed a key opportunity to slide Szoboszlai through at 1-1 and his delivery from corners lacked quality. A mixed evening.

Cody Gakpo – 5

Tried to be direct but lacked variation and end product. Hit the target early but faded. One baffling moment saw him hook the ball away from goal with Curtis Jones waiting. Frustrating again.

Hugo Ekitike – 5

Showed flashes of purpose and made one excellent run that should have resulted in a goal. Service was limited and he faded badly in the second half. Slightly harsh rating perhaps, but impact was minimal overall.

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (46’) – 6

Added more drive than Gravenberch and should have scored but for Gakpo’s intervention.

Andy Robertson (65’) – 6

Solid and steady without being spectacular.

Rio Ngumoha (65’) – 7

Bright, fearless and unlucky not to score, denied by an excellent José Sá save. Arguably deserved to start.

Joe Gomez (72’) – 5

Cruel deflection off him for the winner. Unfortunate but part of a defence that switched off late.

Federico Chiesa (79’) – 5

Tested the keeper but didn’t influence the game.

Unused: Mamardashvili, Ramsay, Nyoni, Morrison

Arne Slot – 4

For a manager who recently admitted many games haven’t been a “joy to watch,” this certainly wasn’t one.

Liverpool dominated the ball but played far too slowly. There was little invention, little urgency and a worrying lack of control late on.

Falling behind to the bottom side is one thing. Losing in stoppage time again is another.

Serious questions are starting to form.

Overall Team Performance – 5

Possession without penetration. Control without conviction. Punished in stoppage time — again.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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