Wolves Fans' Verdict v Liverpool: Up for the Cup

Rob Cartwright

What's your verdict on the match?

I always look forward to FA Cup 3rd Round day and there was an extra buzz of excitement when the teams were announced. With a Klopp concerned that the (extreme) wind could damage his Premier League stars; Nuno got his team spot on with just the 5 changes, more akin to squad rotation.

I’m all in favour of treating the Cup with respect and it was a fitting tribute to Bill Slater, and rightly so.

The first half was fairly non-descript until we scored. Liverpool played into our hands by dominating the early possession with the majority of this being played across defence, on the edge of their own box. I’m sure their goalkeeper had the most touches!

This enabled us to keep our shape and do what we do best; counter attack with speed and with numbers getting forward into their box.

Our back 3 kept solid with Sturridge not getting a look in all night. Dendoncker added energy to our midfield with his box to box running and tackling, allowing Neves to pull the strings with his passing. Both wing backs enjoyed lots of possession and were able to get forward time after time.

This is Wolves' best recipe for success. Jota had a lively return from injury and together with the impressive Jimenez, they pulled the Liverpool defence out of position time after time.

We were disappointed to be only one goal ahead at the break. This turned to dismay on 51 minutes, as Origi scores a great goal with Liverpool’s first shot on target. Ruddy appeared unsighted through a crowded box and had no chance.

This did set up a much more entertaining second half and I’m pleased that Wolves continued to take the initiative. Indeed, we went ahead only 4 minutes later, with another wonder goal from our “wonder kid from Porto”.

From this point on, we looked comfortable and the most likely to score again with one exception. The free kick by Shaqiri, on 68 minutes, was perfectly struck to go inside the post. Ruddy matched him with a fingertip save onto the post. How it stayed out of the net, I still don’t know?

Firmino and Salah were immediately introduced. They caused us havoc just 2 weeks ago, but Boly, Coady & Bennett gave them no space in the 20 minutes remaining.

Who played well – and who didn't impress?

There were a few standout performances in this game. Boly, Coady, Neves, Dendoncker, Jota and Jimenez all showed their worth. A big shout out for a John Ruddy too. What a professional he is - he is class.

The biggest difference to our last league game was the industry and energy of our midfield. I think this was due to Dendoncker who really impressed me. He helped defensively but was able to break forward regularly too.

Jimenez had another fabulous game and took his goal very well, aided by clever play from Jota. I see no reason not to sign him permanently for the agreed £30m.

Neves also enjoyed the game, with great distribution and a fantastic goal.

Both players were worthy of the Man of the Match award, but mine goes to Dendoncker who has had to be very patient for his chance and shows maturity beyond his years. He may just be another great find who can become comfortable in the Premier League.

It would be great to have a decent run in the Cup. The draw leaves this dream open.

Gulraj Kular (Musings from Molineux)

What's your verdict on the match?

Let's be clear - this wasn't a slaying of a dragon or killing of a giant. When those lineups were announced I was in no doubt who had the better side.

There could even be an argument that even with 5 changes from our previous game, that Wolves went in with a stronger side than their last effort against Crystal Palace, including 3 players with Champions League experience in Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker.

We started a little tentatively as if we were expecting a bit more from Liverpool, but as soon as we settled into our pattern and witnessed the arrival of a 16-year-old at centre-half in place of 'one of the best in the world', we sensed blood.

We harassed them at every opportunity and had it not been for some untidy interplay between the forwards could have been further ahead at half time. I was a little disappointed in this regard in all honesty.

The equaliser was entirely out of the blue and the defence will be disappointed having reduced the space, that Origi was still able to get a shot in. With the threat of Salah, Mane and Firmino looming on the bench this wasn't ideal.

But Ruben Neves finally delivered something he frankly hasn't promised in quite some time. He's had some rather wild efforts at goal throughout the course of this season since his wonderful free-kick on the first weekend, but none have really looked like troubling the scoresheet.

This was a fully-deserved victory not only for Liverpool's clear disdain for the fixture but because on the day we were simply better than them.

It took away some feeling of an upset or a momentous victory, but we go into the next round full of beans.

Who played well – and who didn't impress?

Nobody performed below expectations, but Ruben Vinagre had plenty of joy down his flank - if only he could organise himself properly for the final ball.

We did lack something in this regard with Jonny on the right-hand side, who appears to have lost any quality to his forward play.

The defence was as sturdy as ever, ably supported by a triple-bolt midfield who pressed manfully and totally negated any influence by Naby Keita or Daniel Sturridge in particular.

Leander Dendoncker continues to prove his credentials as a classy performer despite his lack of action. If he gets a run of games I can see him being a real marauding presence in the middle.

And how Diogo Jota transformed our forward line from the meekness of the Palace game.

His tenacity is under-appreciated and I'm not sure opposition players understand how quick he is over the first 5 yards. Phil Jagielka found out to his peril at the start of the season and James Milner was similarly spooked last night.

Clive Smith

What's your verdict on the match?

Nuno picked a good line up for a tough challenge. There was not much excitement in the opening half an hour but it was good to see Wolves more than hold their own. There was less pace from the opposition compared to their last visit and we looked calmer ourselves because of it.

Liverpool played a high line and that dictated our play, with a ball over the top for the front two or a ball wide for Otto or Vinagre. They also seemed happy to play the ball back to the keeper continually, so our high press was also in action and proving successful more than once in winning the ball back cheaply.

A couple of times Jota chased a long ball while also seeking out Vinagre to exchange passes. With a couple of Bennett long throw added into the mix, it was a game we looked competitive in.

We had been working hard protecting our box and also making tackles in midfield. One time, when we did gain possession, Jota helped Jimenez to beat the high line and he charged confidently in on goal to give us the lead.

We failed to convert a couple of half chances and could have done more from better crosses, but we deserved the lead at the break.

A slightly raised tempo from Liverpool meant they were more attacking in the early stages of the second half. Having so many men around our box was perhaps the reason so many loose balls and rebounds ended up back at their feet. (Very much the same as in the Palace game). From one such rebound the equaliser came - the first shot for Ruddy to save - flew into our net.

Within five minutes though Neves reminded us of what he does best. A terrific low shot from long range, as good as anything he has done this season. Top quality and we led again.

From then on we expected an onslaught, but we showed excellent character. Those worn-out phrases like, well organised, keeping our shape, working hard without the ball and keeping the ball, were all in evidence.

This may not have been our 'first eleven' but they showed a togetherness that runs through the club regardless of who wears the shirt. At times it was a delight to watch some of our close passing, whether it was playing the ball away from goal, or trying to advance it down one of the wings.

We managed the game well. Our substitutions gave us added energy just where it was needed. We had one scare when a free kick was tipped onto the post but equally, we looked as likely to score again on the counter.

Shame on all those season ticket holders who chose to stay at home. You missed out on another significant landmark Wolves result and performance.

After last season's relentless consistency, having just seen Spurs / Palace / Liverpool, it shows the Wolves rollercoaster still exists. What next?

Who played well – and who didn't impress?

Not quite the night-off Ruddy has become used to, having a little more to do in this game, but aside from the one excellent save he was barely needed.

Otto switched wings but proved equally adept. Tackled with his usual vigour, his passing in the final third let him down though.

You just have to love the enthusiasm and energy level of Vinagre. He wants to attack attack attack at every opportunity. His crossing could have been better.

All three centre-halves were excellent on the ground and in the air. Boly just shades man of the match with his calmness all of the time. No casual silly errors this time out.

I still wonder why Coady ever played in any other position than this one. Headers, tackles, blocks, covering and a fair few long-range passes, he ticked all the boxes again.

Bennett was the same old Bennett again. Solid, reliable with deceptive pace at times.

Neves continues to play deeper than last season but was good. I loved his goal, but I also liked to see how angry he was with himself when he made a sloppy pass in our half.

Dendoncker is clearly our big game player, following Spurs, he started again tonight. An impressive performance it was too.

Moutinho put in his usual shift but missed out on a couple of passes that could have helped put the game to bed.

Nice to see Jota start, when perhaps Traore was more likely. Looked lively in possession but saw little of it near to goal.

Jimenez might have been the player I would most likely have rested. Luckily I don't pick the team. He led the line superbly as usual and scored an excellent goal.

From the bench Cavaleiro, Costa and Doherty brought fresh legs. Cav getting the longer stint and he contributed the most.

Adam Virgo

What's your verdict on the match?

Beating Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Cup is becoming a familiarity. Although they made nine changes, it was still a strong side the visitors put out with Naby Keita and Fabinho combined costing more than our starting XI and subs.

In the end the win was deserved, we played to our strengths and it paid off just as it has done against the rest of the Premier League top six so far this season.

The first half in general wasn’t great from either side, however I thought we looked more likely to score if anything. Fantastic tackle/interception from Jota to release Jimenez who could have easily got caught in two minds but he chose to go alone and rightly so, fantastic finish. Major credit to Jota for blocking Milner too, great forward play and exactly why he’s the best partner for Raul out of our forward options.

Origi took his goal well in all fairness but we could have done more defensively to stop it. Ruddy would have saved it if it wasn’t for the wind, Jurgen Klopp would agree.

Neves’ goal was worthy of winning any game. Struck it perfectly, bit of swerve and dip on it, no chance for Simon Mignolet.

Just when you think it could be 2-2 from a Xherdan Shaqiri free kick which looked destined for the top corner behind the opposite goal, John Ruddy steps up and makes a wonderful finger tip save onto the post, unbelievable save.

Shrewsbury/Stoke away next round which is a good chance for us to progress providing we take it seriously and play a good side which I believe Nuno will.

Who played well – and who didn't impress?

Neves, Boly, Jota and Jimenez were the four best players for us but everyone who started played well.

Neves on his day can win you any game and last season he did that so many times for us. This season it hasn’t really happened for him yet but in his last two starts against Spurs and Liverpool last night he’s looked very good and back to his best I dare say. We all know he’s got those sort of strikes in his locker plus he does love a goal in front of the TV cameras and evening kick offs.

Willy Boly was literally a beast for 90+ minutes. Looked as comfortable as ever on the ball and won absolutely everything in the air. When he’s at the top of his game he’s almost unbreakable at the back.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Raul Jimenez is worth the £30m+ we have to pay in the Summer to make it permanent and I seriously hope we do just that. He’s got everything you’d want from your striker, especially in our side and how you’re meant to operate in that position.

Diogo Jota who's just come back from injury and only played 52 minutes did a fantastic job. Full of running and always tried to beat players and create when he had the ball. His link up with Jimenez is better than any of our forwards, he understands the role in a 352 a lot better. Did brilliantly to block Milner and stop him from getting across to Jimenez for the first goal.

Ruddy deserves huge credit too because it’s not easy sitting on the bench constantly but he loves being a part of the team and even when he wasn’t in the side, he was full of support for the squad. Fantastic professional and at least he’ll get another game in the next round.

Russ Evers (Hatherton Wolves)

What's your verdict on the match?

Is there a better feeling than beating one of the favourites in the cup under the Molineux lights? Not many in football anyway!

Top marks to Nuno for picking a strong side even if we can point to six or seven changes from the last league fixture.

Neves and Jota were back to something like their best and Jimenez scored again even allowing for James Milner's bizarre defending. Enter Salah and Firmino but it was Shaqiri who posed the biggest threat and Ruddy will be glad he didn't cut his fingernails pre-match. So bring on a trip to Stoke or Shrewsbury – the magic of the cup is back.