Nick Parkes reports on Wolves unlock loss to Liverpool sharing all the key events and his thoughts on the match.
Wolves were unlucky losers in the Sunday afternoon clash against league-leaders Liverpool. And despite a poor first half and being 2-0 down, we could have and should have left Anfield with a point.
PRE-MATCH
After last week’s victory in the F.A Cup at Blackburn, Vitor Pereira brought back key players to the team to face high-flying Liverpool. With Sa, Doherty, Ait-Nouri, Andre, and Sarabia all making the starting 11.
LINE-UP
Sa, Toti, Agbabou, Doherty, Ait-Nouri,, Joao Gomes, Andre, Semedo, Cunha, Sarabia, Guedes
FIRST HALF
The first 45 started as to be expected with Liverpool on the front foot and looking to cause Wolves issues early on.
An attack in the first minute led to a corner and a shot just wide. In the opening 10 minutes, Wolves had little of the ball but did occasionally break away and try to cause Liverpool issues.
Despite Wolves growing in confidence with the ball, it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock on 15 minutes. Former Wolves player Jota won his duel against Doc on the halfway line, this allowed Liverpool to break in numbers and the ball found its way to Salah. Toti managed to get a leg to the ball but it ended up kindly at Diaz’s feet and with an onrushing Sa, he poked it home to make it 1-0. Slightly unlucky with the deflection but a goal which could have been avoided.
Wolves throughout the first half gave Liverpool too much respect on and off the ball. We were sloppy in possession and constantly made wrong decisions when in an attacking position. Ait-Nouri, Sarabia, Cunha were all guilty of this and Guedes struggled to really get in the game and cause Liverpool any issues.
One-nil became two just before the 40th-minute mark and again poor defending on Wolves’ part. A Liverpool ball played forward should have easily been cleared by Agbadou but he fluffed his lines and allowed the attacker in the box, Sa came rushing out and brought down the Liverpool player and referee Simon Hooper pointed to the spot. A soft penalty and possibly a push on Agbadou in the build-up but once again, mistakes were costing Wolves dearly. Salah stepped up and seemingly put the game to bed before half-time. Wolves did have an effort with Cunha shooting just wide from a free-kick on the edge of the box. But Wolves into half-time 2-0 down. We gave Liverpool far too much respect and mistakes cost us.
One major talking point from the first 45 was the performance of referee Simon Hooper as he was very inconsistent and his decisions very much went against Wolves. Joao Gomes twice broke through the Liverpool midfield only to be dragged back, but no Liverpool players were booked while Vitor Pereira and Doherty were both booked for protesting.
More importantly, Liverpool defender Konate should have seen red for two bookings. Already booked, he fouled Cunha for a clear booking but the referee decided to give nothing. Konate was subsequently subbed at halftime because he was walking a tightrope.
second half
Manager Pereira made two much-needed changes at half time with Guedes and Sarabia coming off for Bellegarde and Munetsi. The latter making his Premier League debut. And whether it be the changes or the half-time team talk, but Wolves came out a completely different team. On the front foot and aggressive from the off with the two subs linking up well and Bellegarde’s pass in the box found Cunha whose effort just looped up into the hands of the keeper.
Wolves’ first real chance came to Munetsi who was played in on goal from a beautiful flick from Bellegarde, baring down on goal 1-1 he should have put it away but Alisson saved well to deny him. The two subs bought energy and a bit of quality after a lackluster first half.
Liverpool being a team quick in transition still had their opportunities with Salah being called offside after a wonderful finish and Jota shortly after being given a penalty after a slide challenge from Agbadou, the ref deemed it a foul and pointed to the spot, but after a VAR call, Jota was adjudged to have dived (but not given a booking). Agbadou subsequently was subbed for a knock during the event.
Wolves started to ramp up the pressure after this and won the ball back constantly. Liverpool looked panicked and Wolves was on top there in on. Cunha, who had a relatively poor game in possession, once again came up with a moment of magic to get Wolves back in the game. Semedo had the ball out wide then passed the ball to Bellegarde, who then back-heeled it to Cunha who was on the right-hand side of the D, he twisted and turned and with his weaker foot, curled the ball past Alisson and into the side netting of the goal. Another wonderful goal to add to a growing collection of incredible finishes. Wolves were back in the game and rightly so.
Wolves continued to outplay and outmuscle Liverpool but found it hard to create clear-cut chances. Munetsi must have thought he had an easy tap-in to equalise after great build-up play found Doyle down our right, he played in a great low cross and only an incredible interception from a Liverpool defender denied the Wolves man his first goal. Wolves continued to huff and puff but unfortunately couldn’t find the second goal and as the ref called time on the game, and, albeit a great second-half performance left Anfield empty-handed.
Wolves can be proud of how they played in the 2nd 45, they pressed well and made Liverpool look a very average team. It was great to see substitutes make a difference, something which has been lacking this season. Bellegarde and Toti were fantastic and surely the former has to be starting the game away at Bournemouth. After a poor first-half Wolves can hold their heads high and can take confidence from the 2nd 45.
In terms of the league, no harm was done this weekend as Wolves still have a 2-point cushion over Ipswich in 18th place and Leicester in 19th.
Man of the Match – Bellegarde
ARTICLE BY NICK PARKES
Hi, I’m Nick! Born in Wolverhampton and currently living in Barcelona. I’ve been a Wolves fan since birth (dad’s choice) and was a north bank season ticket holder in my younger days. My favourite all-time player, Bully!
I’m an English teacher by trade and when I’m not scolding teenagers in the class, I’m either running, gardening or watching cricket!