Player Ratings: Rio Ngumoha shines as Liverpool beat Wolves in FA Cup | OneFootball

Liverpool Beat Wolves 3-1 to Reach FA Cup Quarter Finals

Liverpool moved into the FA Cup quarter finals with a convincing 3-1 win against Wolves at Molineux, producing a sharp second half display that settled the contest and kept their cup hopes alive.

After a quiet opening period, Arne Slot’s side stepped up the tempo and quality after the break. Goals from Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones secured the victory for Liverpool, while Hwang Hee Chan grabbed a late consolation for Wolves deep into stoppage time.

The result sends Liverpool into the last eight of the FA Cup and offers a timely response after their recent defeat at the same ground in the Premier League.

Slow Opening at Molineux

The first half of this FA Cup tie between Wolves and Liverpool lacked rhythm and attacking spark. Both teams struggled to establish control, with chances limited and the pace of the game subdued.

Liverpool had plenty of possession but struggled to convert it into clear opportunities. Wolves were organised and disciplined, forcing the visitors to move the ball sideways rather than through the middle.

At half time the score remained 0-0, and the contest felt finely balanced. Yet the game would swing dramatically once Liverpool increased their intensity after the restart.

Photo: IMAGO

Robertson Ignites Liverpool Charge

Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Andy Robertson. Collecting a pass from Curtis Jones around 25 yards from goal, the Scotland international drove a powerful strike into the bottom corner.

It was a reminder of Robertson’s enduring quality. The left back has been used more sparingly this season under Arne Slot, particularly after the arrival of Milos Kerkez, yet moments like this underline his continued value to Liverpool.

Just 95 seconds later Liverpool doubled their advantage. Robertson turned provider, delivering a cross that Mohamed Salah finished confidently. The effort required a brief VAR check for offside, though the goal stood and Liverpool suddenly held a commanding 2-0 lead.

Curtis Jones Seals FA Cup Progress

Wolves attempted to respond but Liverpool looked increasingly comfortable. Their midfield controlled possession and limited Wolves’ attacking threat.

The decisive third goal arrived in the 74th minute. Ryan Gravenberch provided the assist and Curtis Jones curled a composed effort from the edge of the area beyond the Wolves goalkeeper.

At 3-0 the FA Cup tie was effectively settled. Wolves managed to pull one back in stoppage time when Hwang Hee Chan found the net following an assist from Sam Johnstone, but it proved little more than a late consolation in a 3-1 defeat.

Liverpool’s second half authority ultimately made the difference and ensured their progression in the FA Cup.

FA Cup Momentum for Liverpool

This victory keeps Liverpool firmly in contention in the FA Cup as they continue their campaign under Arne Slot, who guided the club to the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season.

The performance also highlighted the depth within the Liverpool squad. Robertson’s goal and assist provided a timely reminder that experienced players still have an important role, even when competition for places increases.

For Wolves, the match showed promise in spells but also exposed the gap in quality once Liverpool found their rhythm.

Liverpool now look ahead to the FA Cup quarter finals with confidence after a professional performance at Molineux.

Player Ratings

Wolves:Sam Johnstone 6Yerson Mosquera 5Santiago Bueno 4Toti Gomes 5Jackson Tchatchoua 5Hugo Bueno 6Joao Gomes 6Andre Trindade 5Matheus Mane 5Angel Gomes 5Tolu Arokodare 6

Liverpool:Alisson Becker 6Dominik Szoboszlai 7Joe Gomez 7Virgil van Dijk 7Andy Robertson 9Ryan Gravenberch 8Alexis Mac Allister 7Curtis Jones 8Mohamed Salah 8Cody Gakpo 7Rio Ngumoha 8