Wolves 1–3 Liverpool: Reds Respond to League Defeat to Reach FA Cup Quarter-Finals

Liverpool responded to their recent league defeat by the same opponents with a controlled 3–1 victory over Wolves at Molineux, booking their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals and delivering a timely result for Arne Slot’s side.

Four days after Wolves had beaten Liverpool in the Premier League, the two sides met again. Wolves remained rooted to the bottom of the league table, while Liverpool arrived under pressure after an inconsistent campaign that has left them fifth in the standings despite significant summer investment.

With the FA Cup carrying growing importance for the defending champions, the evening also saw 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha handed a start, while Hugo Ekitike was absent from the lineup.

The first half was largely controlled by Liverpool without many clear chances being created.

Wolves remained compact defensively and attempted to threaten with direct balls forward, while Liverpool circulated possession but struggled to break through before the interval.

Robertson Sparks Liverpool Breakthrough

Liverpool took the lead in the 51st minute through Andy Robertson.

Mohamed Salah held the ball well during a forward move before Curtis Jones collected possession just outside the penalty area. Jones laid the ball into the path of Robertson, who struck a low shot from around 20 yards that travelled across Sam Johnstone and into the far corner.

Liverpool doubled their advantage just two minutes later, with Robertson again central to the move.

The left-back made another forward run and was picked out in space before delivering a cross towards the far post. Salah arrived to meet it and found the back of the net.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review confirmed that Salah had been behind the ball when the pass was played. Robertson therefore collected both a goal and an assist within the space of three minutes.

Jones Seals the Victory

Arne Slot introduced Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong in the 69th minute as both players returned from injury.

Liverpool continued to control the match while Wolves struggled to create sustained pressure.

The visitors effectively secured the result in the 74th minute with an impressive goal from Curtis Jones.

Ryan Gravenberch played a simple pass into Jones outside the penalty area. Jones carried the ball forward, moving past several Wolves challenges before striking a controlled shot from distance that found the corner of the net.

Late Wolves Goal Denies Clean Sheet

Wolves did manage a late response deep into stoppage time.

In the 90+1st minute, Sam Johnstone launched a long ball forward which Dominik Szoboszlai failed to control. The mistake allowed Hwang Hee-Chan to break in behind and finish past Alisson, denying Liverpool a clean sheet and continuing a recent trend of late goals conceded by the visitors.

Liverpool saw out the remaining moments without further difficulty to secure a 3–1 victory and progression to the next round of the FA Cup.

After the surprise league defeat earlier in the week, the result provided a necessary response and ensured that the FA Cup remains a realistic opportunity for silverware this season an important response from Arne Slot and his team.