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Liverpool right wrongs at Wolves to reach FA Cup quarter-finals

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Curtis Jones scored Liverpool’s third after neat link-up play - Chris Radburn/Reuters

Liverpool spent more than £450m last summer to rebuild their team but this was an evening for the elder statesmen and homegrown talent of the club. Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, with Premier League titles and Champions League winners’ medals in their locker, booked a place in the FA Cup quarter-final and Curtis Jones also scored.

All three have been the subject of interest from other clubs, with their position as regular starters not guaranteed after the signings ahead of the campaign. Salah turned on Arne Slot and the club after losing his place, Tottenham made a bid for Robertson in January and Jones has been on the wanted list of several clubs.

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With none of the summer signings starting, those three shone at Molineux along with Rio Ngumoha from the academy. Despite a crisis at Anfield in their title defence this season, they are now just one win away from a trip to Wembley.

How Liverpool fans would love another two trips to the national stadium and to win a trophy in such a difficult year. The Cup has not been route for regular success over the years, this being the third time in the last 11 years they have got this far. Their last quarter-final was when they won the Cup in 2022.

This was a huge contrast to the defeat here at Wolves earlier in the week when Slot’s team lost control of the match and dropped points in their bid for the top five. Slot will probably have to utilise his squad like he did here to cope with the Cup and the Champions League as well as trying to climb the table.

But in his veterans, he has players who know their way around managing this part of the season. Salah and Robertson have grasped opportunities like this in the past and an FA Cup would still be celebrated on Merseyside regardless of where they finish in the Premier League. Jones, also from the club’s academy, has also tasted glory.

10:33pm

Slot praises Robertson and Ngumoha, and looks ahead to the Champions League next week

On Andy Robertson’s strong performance: “I think they all want to play every single game, which is not possible. He did his job very well today. I think he had a really good game.”

On Rio Ngumoha’s promising display: “Special because if you’re 17-years-old, and you can impact two Premier League sides facing each other, then that tells you how good of a player he is. But it is up to him to bring this every time. This should give him a lot of confidence to show this in an away game.”

The games come thick and fast for Liverpool: “Every three days I have a different feeling. Three days ago my feeling was completely different to now. Good to be in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. In three-four days away, another big game in Istanbul.”

10:15pm

Van Dijk reflects on a convincing FA Cup victory

10:07pm

Robertson also speaks on Liverpool’s form

We are trying to fight on all fronts. We are still in two cup competitions. If we play like we did tonight, then nobody wants to play against us. We have to start showing that consistency. It is one step forward and two steps back.

10:06pm

Robertson on fighting for his place

I’m not sure if I have a point to prove in a Liverpool shirt. The fans know I give everything in a Liverpool shirt. When you get on the pitch you just want to enjoy it. It is what it is. Milos [Kerkez] is a fantastic left-back.

He had an unbelievable season last season at Bournemouth. It took time to settle into a big club. The club has to move forward, the lads who have been here so long are not getting any younger. You have to accept it. I have had competition my whole career.

Robertson helped Liverpool to an important victory with a goal and an assist - Martin Rickett/PA10:04pm

Redemption for Liverpool and Slot

Liverpool’s form is back on track after that win and they will head into next week’s pivotal Champions League tie against Galatasaray in Turkey feeling far more confident.

Slot claps the Liverpool fans following the 3-1 win over Wolves - Alex Livesey/Getty Images09:58pm

FT: Wolves 1 Liverpool 3

Liverpool have avenged Tuesday night’s Premier League loss with a satisfying 3-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux in the FA Cup fifth round. 

It was a frustrating first half for Liverpool, who struggled to create chances as Wolves defended diligently. 

However, the second half was a completely different story as Liverpool swiftly flew into a two-goal lead thanks to Robertson’s fizzing opener, and Salah’s close-range finish. Jones then added a third, courtesy of an exceptional curled effort, which nestled into the bottom corner. 

Hwang scored a late consolation but it was inconsequential as Liverpool breeze into the next round and become the first team to reach this season’s FA Cup quarter-finals.

09:50pm

GOAL! Hwang nets a late consolation for Wolves

Johnstone has the ball in his hands and launches a long goal kick down the length of the pitch. Hwang latches onto it, squeezing between Szoboszlai and Robertson, before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. There’s limited cheers from the Wolves fans that remain, but some pride has been restored.

09:48pm

90 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 3

How did that not go in?! Gravenberch breaches the Wolves backline and clips a ball across the six yard box for Konate. With the goal gaping, the defender misses his kick and Wolves escape. 

There will be four minutes of added time. 

09:46pm

87 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 3

It’s a great moment for Liverpool youngster Morrison as the 19-year-old replaces Gakpo for the final few minutes. Edwards also makes a late switch, with Moller Wolfe on for H Bueno.

09:42pm

84 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 3

Liverpool are on the counter and Gakpo threads a pass to Frimpong. The substitute is in acres of space, but flashes an effort at goal that is comfortably pushed away by Johnstone. 

09:40pm

82 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 3

Slot makes another double change as Nyoni and Konate replace Mac Allister and Van Dijk. Slot clearly has one eye on next week’s Champions League tie in Turkey.

09:38pm

80 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 3

Hwang flies in with a forceful challenge on Mac Allister, who remains on the deck. The tackle has been checked and cleared by VAR, but that was risky from the Wolves man. 

09:36pm

77 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 3

It would take something out of this world for Wolves to get back into this game. The gulf in quality has been clear for everyone to see in the second half. 

09:33pm

GOALLL! Jones curls in an exquisite third for Liverpool

Liverpool cruise into a fully-deserved three-goal lead. Gravenberch flicks the ball into Jones’ path, and from the edge of the penalty area, the Englishman bends a magnificent effort into the bottom corner. Liverpool have been sensational in the second half and Wolves have wilted under the incessant pressure.

09:30pm

72 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2

Those previous changes from Slot are interesting. Did he take off Ngumoha with the intention of resting him for the Champions League next week?

09:27pm

69 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2

Slot orders a double change and Ngumoha comes off to a standing ovation from the away support. Salah also departs as former Bayer Leverkusen pair Wirtz and Frimpong are introduced. 

09:25pm

Robertson is feeling the love

In an inspired second half performance, Robertson has recorded a goal and assist to help Liverpool into a 2-0 lead. Van Dijk is clearly delighted with him.

Van Dijk hugs the influential Robertson, who has been the difference in the second half - Alex Livesey/Getty Images09:22pm

64 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2

The contrast of Liverpool’s performances in the first and second half have been like night and day. They look set to avenge that dismal Premier League defeat at Molineux on Tuesday. 

09:20pm

61 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2

Ngumoha is looking for a goal and drags a shot just wide of the post. It had Johnstone extremely worried. Edwards has reacted and made a change, with A Gomes coming off for Armstrong. 

09:18pm

59 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2

Liverpool are purring and are now full of confidence. They’re flooding forward to every opportunity.

09:16pm

56 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2

Whatever Slot said at half-time has worked a dream and Liverpool have flown into a commanding two-goal lead.

09:13pm

GOALLL! Liverpool double their lead in the blink of an eye through Salah

In their next attack after their first goal, Liverpool motor forward through Robertson, who fires a pinpoint, low cross for Salah at the back post. The Egyptian smashes a close range effort into the roof of the net and after a lengthy VAR check, Salah is deemed onside and the goal is given.

09:09pm

GOAL! Robertson with a screamer

A Liverpool legend, who rarely scores, has lashed the visitors ahead. Liverpool counter attack through Salah, before Jones passes to Robertson. The left back takes one touch to get it out of his feet, before fizzing a rasping effort into the bottom corner. It’s such a sweet strike.

09:06pm

48 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool have the likes of Ekitike, Wirtz and Chiesa waiting to enter the action as the visitors continue their search for an opener.

Wolves’ bench is less striking, but R Gomes, who netted against Liverpool on Tuesday, is amongst the substitutes.

09:02pm

We are back under way for the second half

Both sides are unchanged at the break. If the second continues like the first, how long will the managers wait before turning to their benches? Not too long, you would imagine.

08:52pm

HT: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

It’s not been a classic at Molineux, and at half-time, it is goalless between Wolves and Liverpool in this FA Cup tie.

We have to give a special mention to Ngumoha, who has looked so positive in forward positions. It’s a shame his teammates haven’t been on the same wavelength. The youngster had an early shot saved by Johnstone in Liverpool’s most notable attacking opening.

In total, Slot’s side have managed 11 shots to Wolves’ zero but we are yet to see either team create a clear cut chance. Wolves have defended diligently, while Liverpool have half-heartedly attacked. It needs to be better from both sets of players in what has been a competitive, but timid first half.

08:47pm

Ngumoha has been bright, but Liverpool are lacking intensity and quality

It has been slow going in this half, with a few of us in the press box resigned to extra-time and penalties. Rio Ngumoha has been the bright spark of the first 45 minutes with his running. He had a shot saved by Sam Johnstone, while Cody Gakpo hit the post with a header but it would probably have been ruled out for offside. 

08:45pm

44 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool’s hectic schedule sees them back in action on Tuesday evening as they travel to Turkey to face Galatasaray in the Champions League. If Ngumoha keeps displaying the same level of positivity in this match, he’s in with a shout of some minutes.

08:42pm

41 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Szoboszlai has scored a couple extraordinary free kicks for Liverpool this season, but his latest effort crashes into the wall. You would expect him to do much better from that range. 

08:40pm

39 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool are struggling to get Salah and Gakpo into the game. Both forwards have received heavy criticism from fans for drifting out of prolonged periods in matches. They should take a leaf out of Ngumoha’s book. He is full of energy and intensity.

08:37pm

36 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool have dominated the ball, with over 67% possession so far, but an opening goal is proving to be elusive. 

Liverpool loo comfortable, but they need a goal to open this tie up - Dave Shopland/AP08:34pm

33 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Robertson attempts to find Salah at the back post with a searching delivery, but Wolves defend well and clear. Could Salah have made a run to get in front of his marker? The forward seems to be lacking his normal predatory instincts at the moment. 

08:31pm

30 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool need to keep feeding Ngumoha. Another exquisite dribble sees the winger breeze away from Tchatchoua, before Liverpool win a corner. You can feel the excitement from the away fans every time he gets on the ball. He’s been a breathe of fresh so far this evening.

08:29pm

28 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Mane attempts to launch a Wolves attack, but he unluckily slips at the pivotal moment. The ball is then worked to Ngumoha, whose dribble and cross doesn’t find anyone in a red shirt. There was some delightful footwork from Gravenberch as he glided away from the Wolves midfield in a previous Liverpool move. 

08:26pm

26 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool have had five corners in the opening 25 minutes, as Johnstone’s tips over Salah’s delivery. This gives the visitors their sixth corner of the match, but again, it amounts to nothing.

08:23pm

23 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Is Szoboszlai wasted at right back? The Hungarian has arguably been Liverpool’s player of the season in a difficult campaign, but once again, he finds himself at right back to cover other members of the squad.

Liverpool’s Szoboszlai starts at right back again - Andrew Boyers/REUTERS08:21pm

21 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

It’s been a competitive and engaging encounter so far. H Bueno cuts inside makeshift right back Szoboszlai, but his cross is easily caught by Alisson.

08:19pm

18 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Applause rings out around Molineux in the 18th minute to honour former Wolves and Liverpool hero Jota.

08:17pm

17 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

The last couple minutes have seen Wolves gradually grow into the contest. S Bueno receives a needless yellow card for pulling back Gakpo on the halfway line. The Wolves defender will need to be careful now.

08:15pm

14 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

It’s all Liverpool at the moment and Ngumoha is looking lively.

Ngumoha has made a strong start for Liverpool - Darren Staples/AFP08:12pm

11 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool are applying all the early pressure as Mac Allister wins possession high up the pitch. He passes to Ngumoha, who dances away from Tchatchoua, before firing a low, driven effort that is saved at the near post by Johnstone. 

08:10pm

9 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

In a reshuffled Liverpool frontline, Ngumoha is on the left, Salah is on right, while Gakpo is acting as the central striker. 

Szoboszlai is at right back as Jones starts ahead in advanced midfield. 

08:07pm

6 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Ngumoha wins an early corner after a positive run, prompting the Liverpool fans to chant ‘Rio Rio Rio.’

Liverpool play the corner short and Gravenberch swings a cross into Gakpo, who glances a header onto the post.

However, the offside flag was up and Wolves resume with a free kick.

08:03pm

3 minutes: Wolves 0 Liverpool 0

Gravenberch had to be hauled off at half-time on Tuesday, and he commits an early foul, giving Wolves a free kick in a promising position. H Bueno overhits the delivery and Liverpool have a throw in.

08:00pm

Kick off

Liverpool get us under way.

07:57pm

The excitement is building ahead of kick-off

The players walk out into an impressive light show and Molineux is bouncing, with kick-off just minutes away. 

07:54pm

What could have been in 2019...

Wolves fans will remember being 2-0 up against Watford in their FA Cup semi-final in 2019. Under Nuno Espirito Santo’s shrewd management, the club look destined for the final. But Watford, inspired by some Gerard Deulofeu magic and a Troy Deeney penalty, roared back to win 3-2. Watford were smashed 6-0 by Man City in the final.

Jimenez cuts a frustrated figure following Wolves’ FA Cup semi-final loss to Watford - Ben Stansall/AFP07:47pm

Wolves are also going through the paces in their warm up

The home side are targeting their straight win in all competitions, after previously beating Aston Villa and Liverpool in the Premier League over the last seven days. 

Wolves’ man Mane in full focus as kick off fast approaches - Peter Byrne/PA07:43pm

Liverpool are back at Molineux

Three days after Tuesday’s Premier League loss to Wolves, Liverpool return to Molineux and the players are warming up.

Gomez and Van Dijk in action during Liverpool’s warm up - Martin Rickett/PA07:38pm

Can Wolves replicate Wigan’s 2013 heroics?

In the 2012-13 season, Wigan won the FA Cup, after beating Manchester City 1-0 in an extraordinary final at Wembley, thanks to Ben Watson’s last minute header. Wigan also suffered relegation in the same campaign. Wolves could be on the path to something similar?

Ben Watson and Wigan manager Roberto Martinez celebrating the 2013 FA Cup final win - Dave Thompson/PA07:30pm

An emotional night as both clubs remember Jota

Paintings commemorating Diogo Jota have been unveiled at Molineux to honour the player who played for Wolves and Liverpool.

Petals from floral tributes were collected and used to create ink, which former Wolves centre-back Jody Craddock has used to create a pair of large artworks of Jota which will hand in the reception of the Stan Cullis Stand. 

“It brought immense pride, with who it is and what it represents. The club turning flowers to paint was a fantastic idea, and for them to ask me was very nice because it meant they trusted me to do a good enough job to produce pieces to hang up there forever,” Craddock said.

07:28pm

Numerous changes for both sides

Rio Ngumoha has been rewarded with a start in the FA Cup clash against Wolves after impressing against them earlier in the week off the bench. 

Arne Slot has made three other changes from the team that lost 2-1 in the Premier League here at Molineux on Tuesday evening. Joe Gomez is given a start, while Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson have also been drafted in. 

It is a strong team from Liverpool, who have a decent break before facing Galatasaray on Tuesday in the Champions League. 

Wolves, meanwhile, made six changes from the win a few days ago. England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is among the changes, with Tolu Arokodare also coming in.

07:23pm

How much danger is Slot’s job in?

After comfortably spending more than £400m in the summer transfer window, recruiting the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez to create a star-studded squad, everyone expected Liverpool to mount a serious challenge to retain their league title.

Instead, the season has drastically unravelled, and Slot’s previously untouchable position is beginning to feel increasingly shaky as the campaign progresses. The loss to Wolves earlier in the week was completely unacceptable for the large majority of the fanbase, who will be expecting a reaction this evening.

Despite last season’s Premier League title, Slot’s position is under increasing scrutiny - Catherine Ivill/Getty Images07:17pm

Edwards reshuffles his Wolves side

Johnstone, H.Bueno, Mosquera, T.Gomes, Bellegarde and Arokodare make up the changes for Wolves this evening.

Andre, who netted that late winner against Liverpool on Tuesday evening is suspended, while the other scorer from that match, R.Gomes, is on the bench.

07:14pm

Huge night for Ngumoha

The biggest Liverpool change sees 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha start up top as Ekitike takes a place on the bench. 

Arne Slot has named three alterations to his backline, with Jones, Gomez and Robertson replacing Frimpong, Konate and Kerkez. It remains to be seen whether it will be Jones or Szoboszlai start at right back.

Wirtz has been missing for nearly a month with an injury but returns to the squad as a substitute.

07:07pm

Wolves team news: Six changes from Tuesday’s Premier League win

Wolves XI: Johnstone, Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S Bueno, Toti, H Bueno, J Gomes, A Gomes, Bellegarde, Mane, Arokodare.

Subs: Bentley, Lima, Doherty, Krejci, Wolfe, R Gomes, Edozie, Hwang, Armstrong.

07:03pm

Liverpool team news: Ngumoha starts as visitors make four changes

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Jones, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Gakpo, Ngumoha

Subs: Mamardashvili, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Chiesa, Ekitike, Frimpong, Nyoni, Morrison.

06:52pm

Wolves unveil Diogo Jota artwork

06:43pm

Their journeys to the fifth round

Wolves have beaten League Two sides Shrewsbury Town (6-1) and Grimsby Town (1-0) to reach this stage. Meanwhile, Liverpool have breezed past both Barnsley (4-1) and Brighton (3-0) to set up this encounter.

This is the first match of the FA Cup fifth round fixtures. Other notable ties on Saturday include Arsenal’s away trip to League One Mansfield, Wrexham’s blockbuster game against Chelsea in north-east Wales, and an all-Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Manchester City.

06:27pm

An important tie for both clubs

Good evening and welcome to our live FA Cup coverage of this week’s second meeting between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux.

On Tuesday evening, bottom-placed Wolves claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League, thanks to Andre’s 94th-minute deflected winner. This prompted a euphoric Rob Edwards to sprint down the touchline in celebration as his side’s improved form continued, despite the seemingly inevitable threat of relegation.

Last week’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa hoisted Wolves to 13 points, above Derby’s unwanted record for the lowest points tally in Premier League history (11 in the 2007-08 season). These consecutive victories have seen Wolves play with far more freedom, as a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

Wolves would need a miracle to survive in the top-flight this season after taking just 16 points from 30 Premier League games. Still, the FA Cup can be utilised as a welcome avenue of escapism for Edwards’ men, who will fancy their chances against an inconsistent Liverpool side.

The latest instalment of Liverpool’s disastrous campaign served up that woeful loss to Wolves. The reigning Premier League Champions are a shadow of their former selves, and following Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday, Liverpool have dropped to sixth in the top flight.

With the Premier League comfortably out of their reach and the Champions League looking equally daunting, the FA Cup exists as Liverpool’s most realistic route to silverware. You’d expect the Liverpool players to be fired up and looking to avenge the previous embarrassment at Molineux.

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