5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM WOLVES DEFEAT AT ANFIELD

1. Contrasting halves 

Lacklustre first half and I thought we could’ve been a lot more hungry to get something out of the game and we gave away two cheap goals. We were quite slow and allowed Liverpool to attack the wings as we were extremely deep. We aimed to play on the break with long balls forward with majority of those balls won by Virgil Van Dijk which was poor. Second half Wolves began to wake up playing with a higher tempo and bagging 1 goal back through magic from Matheus Cunha. We seemed like we could genuinely get something out of the game but all of this goes to show you cannot perform for 45 minutes and expect something from the game. Football is a game of two halves. 

2, Comfortability at the back 

Since the signing of Agbadou the defence has improved significantly. I feel as though Wolves seem so much more comfortable at the back and even at Anfield they are playing long diagonal switches through Agbadou, Liverpool pressed extremely high and Wolves played very deep and we still managed to have spells at the back where we didn’t seem nervous. 

3. Refereeing Decisions 

Do I need to say much more… Numerous fouls committed in the matter of seconds and the Liverpool players escape with no bookings. Konate arguably should be sent off, 3 bookings in the first half for dissent arguing against more poor decisions by the referee. It takes the fun out of watching your football club, from commentary to officiating they all favour these big six sides and back any awful decision made. The first half penalty I also thought was extremely soft and Diaz was going down before the initial contact – but because it’s Liverpool penalty of course given. 

4. Incorrect lineup 

Sarabia starting in my opinion was the wrong decision, I would’ve personally stacked the midfield with Andre and Gomes playing deeper with Bellegarde having the freedom to play slightly higher up. Sarabia didn’t offer anything today and at times he slowed the play down and killed every attack. He also was at fault for the goal giving the ball away cheaply on the counter. Drops a 7/10 every 6 or so matches and then goes back to headless chicken Pablo and it’s too frustrating. 

5. Bellegarde 

This lad at the minute is playing some of his best football and I thought he was incredibly unlucky to not earn himself a place in the starting eleven today. It was really frustrating especially with Andre not being at his best and Bellegarde being dropped on good form. When he was substituted on he played very well in the 2 with Joao Gomes – he has plenty of attacking intent and is physically strong on the ball and shows positive defensive signs also. He seems a very complete player in the 2 with Joao Gomes and he should start against Bournemouth next week. But it really wouldn’t surprise me if he started and played poorly, the inconsistency is something that needs improving.