Wolves 0-1 Liverpool: FA Cup final rating, result and report as Harvey Elliott scores winner

After the worst efficiency Jurgen Klopp might bear in mind got here Liverpool’s better of 2023. They had set the bar so low towards Brentford and Brighton, plus their earlier assembly with Wolves, that it’s not saying a lot however not less than they supplied a reminder of why they’re the FA Cup holders. An imperfect show not less than contained a present of spirit and they ended with our bodies strewn on the pitch in their very own field in exhaustion.

It was a sight Klopp might savour after Harvey Elliott’s superb objective spared him a 3rd exit to Wolves in his reign and introduced the type of prize he could probably not need: overwhelmed 3-0 at Brighton on Saturday, Liverpool now return to Sussex within the fourth spherical. If they’re to retain their trophy, they must do it the onerous approach.

But Klopp had wished a response and he received one. Liverpool’s resolve was obvious of their reserves. Klopp made eight modifications and a second-string aspect, with the notable exceptions of Thiago Alcantara, Ibrahima Konate and Cody Gakpo, succeeded the place their supposed superiors had failed 10 days earlier and beat Wolves. The lights went out however not on Liverpool’s defence of the FA Cup. A brief energy lower at Molineux within the first minute didn’t halt them. Watched by the rock star Robert Plant, Liverpool escaped the January blues.

Klopp had mentioned the necessity for recent legs defined his modifications and there was the freshness an injection of youth can present. A 19-year-old received the objective, in Elliott, and Liverpool benefited from some effortlessly perceptive passing from the 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic on the base of the midfield. He began beautifully, providing proof of his precocity. At the opposite finish of the age spectrum, James Milner performed his first sport as a 37-year-old. The stand-in right-back was examined by the verve of Rayan Ait-Nouri however was characteristically dogged.

With fewer ageing legs, Milner aside, there was a larger depth to Liverpool’s urgent. Klopp had felt Liverpool had misplaced too many challenges to Wolves at Anfield. They have been extra combative at Molineux. Naby Keita supplied vitality on a belated first begin of an injury-hit season. In defence, Joe Gomez and Konate, who’ve each endured awkward outings for the reason that World Cup, fared higher amid their defiance. The Englishman made a goal-saving block to show Raul Jimenez’s close-range header over the bar. A objective kick was given and, over the tie, it was hardly Wolves’ solely grounds for grievance.

But for a lacking digital camera angle, they could have claimed victory at Anfield. Instead they have been eradicated by Elliott. Found by Thiago, {the teenager} drove ahead from his personal half and picked out the highest nook of the Wolves web from 25 yards. It was a surprising strike, even when Jose Sa’s positioning might be questioned.

Liverpool have been within the ascendancy then and the second half may need been extra comfy had they doubled their lead. Kostas Tsimikas rifled a shot over from an acute angle whereas the offside Fabio Carvalho had a strike disallowed.

He and Elliott flanked the senior member of the entrance three, who was making simply his third look for the membership. Gakpo led the road, roving round enthusiastically, linking along with his new teammates promisingly and capturing extra wildly. His await a primary objective goes on however Liverpool might take encouragement from his night. It ended when Mohamed Salah was despatched on to see out victory, although Konate and Gomez had a larger position in that.

If Gakpo could stay Liverpool’s lone January arrival, Wolves are busier. They accomplished the signing of Pablo Sarabia from Paris Saint-Germain earlier than kick-off. One Spain winger had a watching transient, one other a typical evening as Adama Traore troubled Tsimikas, although his ending was erratic.

Julen Lopetegui had made seven modifications although, as he sought an equaliser, he started to revive a few of his regular starters to the aspect. He despatched for Matheus Nunes and Nelson Semedo at half-time, eradicating the rookies Joe Hodge and Dexter Lembikasa. He then summoned Daniel Podence and Matheus Cunha.

Wolves surged forwards, pinning Liverpool again, and both Jimenez or Cunha, who slashed a shot extensive and then headed tamely at Caoimhin Kelleher, maybe should have levelled. Instead, for the second time in seven days, they exited a cup. Lopetegui is a Europa League winner however he won’t add English silverware to his medal assortment this season.