PLAYER RATINGS: WOLVES 0-1 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool eked out a deserved 1-0 win over Wolves to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup. A stunning Harvey Elliott strike after 13 minutes was enough after a gritty display that saw a first clean sheet in ages it seems. Here are player ratings from the encounter.

Kelleher – 6.5

Wasn’t troubled much. Faced the one shot on target and that was a tame Cunha header late on. He was calm in possession and strong in the air when he had to come and claim. Clean sheet.

Milner – 8

The 37 year old was rock solid at right back, completely dominating Ait-Nouri. What a fantastic servant he continues to be! This was his first game back since picking up a hamstring injury at City in the EFL Cup but you wouldn’t know it watching him play tonight.

Konaté – 9

He’s growing in stature by the game in Virgil’s absence. He was key to the clean sheet as he kept the backdoor shut and won some huge headers when they rallied late on. Hopefully he stays fit.

Gomez – 9

Assured at the back tonight. Had a lot to do as the left sided centre back, utilising his pace to ensure Traore wouldn’t cause any damage the few times he got away from Tsimikas. He switched to right back second half and was as solid as Milner was. A crucial goalline block denied Jimenez an equaliser.

Tsimikas – 8

Defensively he was outstanding. He kept Traore under wraps pretty much all game. He tired late on and the Spaniard was able to get a few dangerous crosses in as a result. Going forward he could have offered more. He kept crossing when the better option would have been a pass inside. Superb defensive display though.

Bajcetic – 9

Was quick on the scene whenever Wolves threatened to break through in midfield. Got stuck in and won his challenges. He has a lovely pirouette on him and is really good on the ball. It was refreshing to see a defensive midfield performance of such quality. He completely dominated Nunes who came on at the break. Struggled with cramps after 70 and was subbed.

Keita – 7.5

Battled well all game. Was part of a midfield three that exuded energy. He played quite a few through balls when the chance presented itself. Poor effort from range when he had time to pick his head up. Also tired late on and looked slow chasing a ball in behind. He kept at it though and helped the team fight to get the result over the line.

Thiago – 9

Absolutely ran the show. It’s amazing how much difference it makes to have two runners next to him. He won his duels and got out of the tightest of spaces when he received the ball. He got the assist for the winning goal as well. Took one for the team when they threatened a counter. Won the ball back well and was energetic in the press. Rested late on.

Elliott – 9

Back in his more natural position and he shone here. He broke the deadlock with a dipping shot from range that left Jose Sa clutching at thin air. He worked his socks off tonight. Won a tackle on Podence on the touchline in injury time and jubilated like he’d just scored again. He’s taken a lot of flak recently but the kid hasn’t hid. Man of the Match performance tonight.

Gakpo – 6

Ran the channels and put in the effort up top. It was lonely at times but he kept plugging away. He went close with a strike inside the box but completely lashed at one effort second half. Not the easiest of starts to his Liverpool career having to play out of position in a team trying to find it’s way.

Carvalho – 7

First half he was bright as a button. Created a couple of chances and was unlucky to see a tidy finish chalked off for offside. What I loved about his performance was the graft. He pressured Lembikisa into so many unforced errors that Lopetegui had to take him off at the break. He made a lot of intelligent runs that weren’t picked up by teammates but that understanding will come with time. Helped Tsimikas out defensively.

Substitutes

Phillips – 6

Came on for just his fifth appearance of the season. Made a crucial clearance when he headed Ait-Nouri’s cross clear with Jimenez lurking. Almost cost the side when his weak clearance from a cross fell straight to Cunha.

Jones – 6

One attempted through ball to Salah was poor. Almost made the game safe when he shot across the face of goal after standing his man up and breezing past him. Showed good feet to keep the ball under some pressure. Was sensible in possession bar one poor giveaway.

Salah – 6

Came on to play through the middle. Had to feed on scraps really, with aeriel duels against Toti and Collins not really his strongest suit. Combined well with Doak down the right but couldn’t really hold it up. His touch has been questionable of late.

Fabinho – 6

On for the cramped Bajcetic. Made a superb block on Cunha after Phillips’ error. Helped see it over the line.

Doak – 6

The youngster continues to impress (when used in his natural position). He almost teed up Salah for a tap in with a cross from the right wing. His intelligence to just keep possession late on rather than drive at defenders showed real maturity. Not something you’d attribute with a 17 year old winger.

Jürgen Klopp

The manager made eight changes to the side that got battered at Brighton. He went with youthful energy in the likes of Bajcetic, Elliott and Carvalho and was rewarded with a performance more akin to the Liverpool we know (in terms of the press, defensive structure and control of the game).

The changes were made on time and sought to strengthen us further as the game wore on (even though we lost control when Thiago and Bajcetic. It was a performance full of fight (something the side has failed to show recently). Well earned victory. Hopefully something to build on.