Liam Keen analysis: Tired Wolves must now focus on a positive end to the season

That led some to begin discussing the possibility of a miraculous escape from relegation and however unlikely that is, at least there was a positive discussion around Wolves for once this season.

Going into the FA Cup fifth round, the return of Liverpool was likely to be Wolves' best chance at a special end to a forgettable campaign, but it was a step too far for Edwards' team.

Beating Liverpool once when you're bottom of the division was already a big ask, but doing it twice within four days seemed unlikely.

Quite quickly as the game kicked off, it was clear that Liverpool had brought a different energy to the previous encounter. They were running harder, pressing aggressively and controlling the game.

Unlike on Tuesday, when Wolves did win the ball back they did not have the time or space to make an impact. They also lacked the quality to thread passes and create chances.

"It was really tough when we won it back, probably a few people took too many touches and allowed them to just go and nail us," Edwards said.

"Sometimes it wasn't our fault, it was just brilliant counter-pressing from them as well. It was almost like they were swarming us and their intensity was very, very good. 

"There were a few turnovers where we could have been better and a lot where they showed the level and a really elite level."

Although Wolves offered no attacking threat whatsoever, they were organised, compact and disciplined defensively.

Wolves competed, battled away and limited Liverpool to few good chances, despite their dominance on the ball.

It was not an entertaining first half or an inspiring Wolves performance, but it was at least effective in getting the team through to half-time at 0-0, where Edwards would have been happier than Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Wolves came out of the traps with a much better intensity at the very start of the second half, but before long they were caught out by Liverpool and a tremendous Andy Robertson shot.

The most frustrating moment of the whole match followed shortly after the opening goal, as Wolves relinquished possession far too easily, Jackson Tchatchoua did not track Robertson properly and his wonderful cross found an unmarked Mohamed Salah at the back post for a swift second.

Although Liverpool showed plenty of quality in creating and executing that goal, it was entirely avoidable if Wolves were switched on.

Wolves went through the motions after finding themselves 2-0 down and their attempt to get back into the game never really got off the ground.

Liverpool eventually found a third, before Hwang Hee-chan got a late consolation for Wolves.

It was a good moment for a player that has had a tough season and has a strained relationship with the supporters. For him to come back from a calf injury and get his third goal of the season was an important step forward for the attacker.

"It's nice that he got an impact," Edwards said.

"Obviously, he's had a period of time out and it was good that we got the last goal in the game as well anyway, never mind whoever it was. 

"I think that's important to show that we're still fighting and still trying in the game, we certainly did that. 

"I'm pleased for Channy. It's been tough for any of us to find a way to score goals this season, but forwards always want to be on the score sheet. 

"It was a good moment for him."

Although Wolves did finish the game with that small positive and Edwards' point about them fighting until the end is understandable, Wolves also looked very tired after a gruelling schedule of congested fixtures throughout February and early March. 

Joao Gomes was the only player that truly played with a lot of energy as he desperately tried to grasp a foothold in the game, while plenty of others struggled.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde attempted to get on the ball and get Wolves on the front foot but things did not fall for him, Mateus Mane was quiet and struggled for an impact, while Tolu Arokodare lacked any quality on or off the ball.

In particular, his lack of hold up play was painful to watch at times and fans began to air their frustrations.

Wolves missed the suspended Andre, who has played superbly of late, and it was a pretty forgettable evening at Molineux after two previous evenings of massive highs.

Wolves now have eight matches remaining of this dreadful season and they have to approach them all in the right way.

Many of the players will depart in the summer, but they have to perform to give the fans some hope going into a huge few months, while Edwards needs some momentum to take into next season.