Liverpool and Arne Slot have eased the pressure with a well-worked victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, advancing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. In doing so, they avenged their defeat at the same ground earlier in the week.
However, any goodwill scooped back up after that damaging league defeat will be scattered if Slot’s side fail to put in a shift against Galatasaray in Turkey, with the Champions League knockout stage now upon us.
It’s all so topsy-turvy. Supporters just want to see some consistency, a concerted challenge for silverware but also successful passage into Europe’s elite competition next year through a top-four/five Premier League finish.
If the boss is going to achieve that, he will need to welcome some of the lessons presented across two fixtures in Wolverhampton.
How Liverpool defeated Wolves
After Liverpool left Molineux victorious on Friday evening, Slot was quick to point out the statistical similarities between that match and the defeat in the Premier League only three days before.
There is more than a grain of truth in Slot’s argument, but there was also a key difference: Rio Ngumoha. The 17-year-old winger’s direct, flashy brand of attacking has the capacity to raise seats, and his exciting style is something that Liverpool have otherwise failed to present on the flanks this season.
Starting a game for Liverpool for the first time since the FA Cup third round, against Barnsley in January, Ngumoha was the difference-maker, building on his noteworthy cameo in the previous fixture at Wolves.
It goes to show that Slot’s tried-and-trusted starting crop (the Dutch coach is less willing to ring the changes than other managers) might not always provide the right formula, and he needs to chop and change more often. Andy Robertson was also a testament to that.
Roberton rekindled his old spirit in that one. It was reminiscent to those tireless days down the left for Jurgen Klopp’s side, partnering Trent Alexander-Arnold down the wings.
Robertson is getting old, and Trent now plays for Real Madrid. However, another star stood up and reminded the boss that he is actually the new version of No. 66.
The new Trent is now undroppable
Alexander-Arnold may play for one of Liverpool’s biggest European rivals, but in Curtis Jones, Slot has got a new Scouser in the side who should probably be playing more football.
Jones has only started 11 Premier League games this term, but he’s shown that that tally should be higher after an excellent, proactive performance in the FA Cup.
The 24-year-old scored Liverpool’s third to put the scoreline beyond doubt, a brilliant finish, stroked past Sam Johnstone from outside the box.
He’s not Trent, but the Three Lions star plays with such passion, and while he’s imperfect, this level of performance proves that he must continue to start football matches for Slot’s side.
Jones, after all, ranks within the top 5% of Premier League midfielders this season for pass completion, the top 9% for long ball completion and the top 15% for chances created per 90, emphasising his skill at controlling and creating without knocking the other.
And that was on show at Molineux, Jones flourishing in an advanced midfield berth. To complement his goal, he did not fail to complete a pass, nor did he blunder in either of his tackles.
|
Curtis Jones vs Wolves (FA Cup) |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
# |
|
Minutes played |
90′ |
|
Goals + Assists |
1 + 0 |
|
Touches |
60 |
|
Shots (on target) |
2 (1) |
|
Accurate passes |
51/51 (100%) |
|
Possession lost |
2x |
|
Chances created |
1 |
|
Dribbles |
1/1 |
|
Ball recoveries |
2 |
|
Tackles won |
2/2 |
|
Duels won |
4/5 |
While Liverpool have missed Alexander-Arnold’s creativity this season, Jones has certainly ensured that the Reds have a homegrown connection and a player who wants it more.
Florian Wirtz returned from injury with an FA Cup cameo, and there will be an expectation for the German playmaker to start on Tuesday, should he be fit enough.
That might appear to scupper Jones’ chances of retaining his starting role, but Alexis Mac Allister is still so far below his former level, and the argument has already been made for the England international to replace him in the line-up.
In any case, if Jones continues to play with such energy and initiative, Slot will have to keep starting Liverpool’s new homegrown hero.
He’s a monster: Liverpool look like they’ve found a Diaz & Salah hybrid
Liverpool defeated Wolves at Molineux to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.