Wolves 1-3 Liverpool: Robertson 51, Salah 53, Jones 74; Hwang 90+1
Just four days after suffering a humbling Premier League defeat at the same venue, Liverpool returned to Molineux and put on a second-half show to secure a 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory.
The key moment arrived in a three-minute spell just after half-time, orchestrated by two Anfield legends whose futures at the club remain subjects of intense speculation. Andy Robertson, the 32-year-old Scot who has found himself relegated to second-choice this season, rolled the years back with a moment of vintage quality to break the deadlock, before turning provider for Mohamed Salah, allowing the Egyptian king to celebrate in relief after a marginal offside call was correctly overturned by VAR.
The victory was never in doubt after that double salvo. Curtis Jones added a sublime third and Liverpool were cruising before substitute Hwang Hee-chan scored a consolation goal in stoppage time.
Slot fielded a strong side but included the 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha on the left wing. It proved to be an inspired choice as the youngster was the game’s brightest spark in a first half where Liverpool dominated possession but were unable to fashion clear chances. Wolves were content to sit in a low block and look for their chances on the counterattack. It was Ngumoha who consistently tried to unlock the door, using his pace and direct running to constantly harry Wolves’ defence.
His senior colleagues, however, struggled to find a way through. Ryan Gravenberch’s early cross found Cody Gakpo, but his header beat only the post and the offside flag. Sam Johnstone, restored in goal, was a spectator as Liverpool took aim from distance, with efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and a remarkable, wayward strike from Joe Gomez doing little to threaten.
Wolves started the second half the brighter side but it was Liverpool who would take the lead. It began with Ngumoha, who sparked a counterattack from deep in his own half. The ball was worked through Gakpo and Salah before finding Robertson, who had surged forward from left-back. From 20 yards, the Scotsman unloaded a shot that flew past Johnstone and nestled into the bottom right corner.
Before Wolves could draw breath, Liverpool struck again. This time it was Robertson the provider, sliding a low cross into the six-yard box. Salah was there to meet it, rifling into the roof of the net.
The assistant referees offside flag immediately went off but Salah protested. He was provided to be correct after VAR found that he had indeed gone ahead of the Wolves’ defenders but was behind the ball as Robertson crossed it.
The game became a procession towards the final whistle after Jones curled a beautiful low shot past Johnstone in the 74th minute, although there was still time for Hwang’s stoppage-time strike to bring scant consolation to Molineux.
