Liverpool Exact Revenge Against Wolves in the FA Cup

by
Liverpool and Wolverhampton jerseys
charnsitr | Shutterstock

Days after suffering a league defeat to Wolves, Liverpool were handed an immediate chance for revenge as the FA Cup fifth round saw them return to Molineux. The trip was about more than avoiding further embarrassment or restoring wounded pride. With the FA Cup representing the Reds’ most realistic remaining chance of silverware this season, it was important for Arne Slot that his side progressed safely to the sixth round.

Liverpool Ease to 3-1 Victory


Although Liverpool had lost away to Wolves just three days earlier in the league, they came into their fifth-round FA Cup clash as strong favourites to progress. Anyone who witnessed the league clash between the two could see why as the Reds dominated proceedings. The visitors enjoyed 66% possession and produced five big chances, 20 shots and 2.56xG. Wolves, meanwhile, registered just one big chance, four shots and 0.44xG.

While Andre Gomes’ heavily deflected shot may have given Wolves all three points, the fact that Liverpool looked in charge for almost the entire game suggested lightning would not strike twice. And it proved to be the case as Liverpool controlled the FA Cup clash, but crucially, were more clinical this time.

Although Liverpool were unable to break the deadlock in the first half, Andy Robertson’s crisp finish from outside the box in the 51st minute got them underway. The Scot then turned provider just two minutes later as his cross allowed Mo Salah to tap in at the back post. This quick-fire double helped prevent any fears that this game might end up being a repeat of the league encounter.

With Slot’s men in complete control at this point, they added another through Curtis Jones. Much like Robertson, Jones found the bottom corner from just outside the box following some loose Wolves pressing. The 25-year-old’s strike in the 74th minute all but secured the victory, but there was one more goal to come, a consolation strike from Hwang Hee-Chan

While the goal ultimately did nothing to change the outcome, Slot will have been disappointed to see his side concede in such a sloppy fashion. A long punt from Sam Johnstone was allowed to bounce over a retreating defence, falling to the feet of the onrushing Hwang, who needed only one touch before slotting past Alisson. It was the type of goal you are far more likely to witness in your local Sunday League match.

Still, Liverpool got the job done and secured safe passage into the quarter-finals, where their fate was to be determined a few days later.

Liverpool Face Man City in Quarter-Finals


Liverpool’s reward for eliminating Wolves turned out to be a trip to Manchester City. As far as opponents go, the Reds could not have asked for a much worse one, but the cup draw cannot always be kind. It is great news for all the other remaining teams as it guarantees that one of the FA Cup frontrunners will be exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage.

It is less positive news for Liverpool, though, whose odds of going all the way took a hit. Prior to the pulling of the numbered balls, Liverpool were largely trading at around 4/1, but this increased to 5/1 afterwards.

Winning away at City is going to be a tough ask, but they did manage exactly this in the league last season, as well as in the FA Cup four years ago. Pep Guardiola’s men also look much less convincing than they have in recent seasons, so this does look like a clash that could realistically go either way.

Will FA Cup Impact Slot’s Future?

Arne Slot smiling
Arne Slot (Orange Pictures | Shutterstock)

Inconsistent results in the Premier League have led to considerable speculation that Slot might be out of a job this summer. His security is not helped by the fact that former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso is still without a club, having been dismissed from his post at Real Madrid. There is a feeling that unless Slot finishes the season very strongly, Liverpool will replace the Dutchman with Alonso, as it could be a while before there is a better opportunity to sign him.

It seems unlikely that the current boss’ future hinges on the outcome of Liverpool’s FA Cup journey, but this is not to say it cannot make a difference. If the Dutchman can guide the Reds to a top-four finish and lift the FA Cup, the case to cut ties with him becomes a bit harder to justify. Even if it does not spare him the axe, having a domestic cup win on the CV is never a bad thing and may improve his standing when looking for a new club further down the line.

Clearly, there are reasons why Slot would love to take this competition seriously, but with the Champions League and a top-four finish still to fight for, he may find it difficult to prioritise the FA Cup.