In the span of four days, Molineux has witnessed firsthand the decline of Mohamed Salah. Yet, despite this, it’s clear that even in the twilight of his career, Salah remains driven by the desire to score; when given an opportunity, he can still find the back of the net. While Liverpool has had a mixed experience in Wolverhampton, including a Premier League loss and an FA Cup win, Salah has had a noteworthy week.
While it may be inconvenient to admit that he was otherwise less impactful, his 254th goal for Liverpool moved the team closer to Wembley. After a previous FA Cup final ended prematurely due to injury, there may be some unfinished business for him in this tournament.
Mohamed Salah’s hunger for goals remains undiminished (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
However, while Liverpool advanced to the quarter-finals thanks to a veteran player who might be nearing the end of his time at Anfield, it was not Salah who shone the brightest, but Andy Robertson. Moreover, the standout winger of the night was the much younger Ngumoha.
Robertson has handled his reduction in playing time this season far more adeptly than Salah did earlier in the season, having made just five league starts. In the FA Cup, he demonstrated why he has been considered one of the best attacking left-backs of his generation, contributing a goal and an assist within a two-minute span.
Mohamed Salah (centre) grabbed Liverpool’s second (PA Wire)
When Liverpool needed someone to break through Wolves’ stubborn defense, Robertson stepped up. “When you think of someone contributing a goal and an assist, a full-back might not be the first player that comes to mind,” said coach Arne Slot. Yet, Robertson achieved both in quick succession. “He loves the club,” Slot remarked. “In my time here, he has given everything to the team.”
He and Ngumoha formed a compelling left-sided duo, representing both the past and the future for Liverpool. They collaborated on the move leading to Salah’s goal, with the teenager displaying remarkable skills in his most significant start to date, indicating he has a promising career ahead.
Slot could detect that his tactical adjustments had payoffs, as he introduced four new players into the starting lineup. While Ngumoha impressed, two other newcomers also scored. Jones, who had netted in the previous round against Brighton, curled in a stunning 20-yard shot for Liverpool’s third goal, also finishing with a goal and an assist, similar to Robertson.
For the team, the win against the Premier League’s bottom club carried a significant cathartic element. “We know we let ourselves down on Tuesday,” noted Robertson. The first half showcased Liverpool’s aggressiveness, with an 11-0 shot advantage, even though the score remained 0-0 at halftime. Robertson’s impactful play ensured they wouldn’t be left lamenting another last-minute goal by Molineux’s Hee-chan Hwang, who denied them a clean sheet and provided the rare assist to Wolves’ goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a counter-attack.
Rio Ngumoha dazzled at times for Liverpool (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
They opened the match without a host of summer signings amounting to £300m, as Alexander Isak remained sidelined, Hugo Ekitike was an unused substitute, and Florian Wirtz returned from injury as a substitute. Looking for individual brilliance, they unearthed it in the form of an £8m bargain.
Robertson delivered a powerful strike from 20 yards following a setup from Jones. While his only other goal this season had been somewhat fortunate against Atletico Madrid, this one was perfectly hit. “I couldn’t have struck it better,” he remarked.
The quality of his left foot was further demonstrated with a precise, low cross that Salah converted at the far post. Initially judged offside, much to his frustration, Salah can be relieved knowing VAR would come into play in the competition’s fifth round. “Mo rarely finds himself offside; it’s one of his special attributes, so my immediate reaction was to question the linesman,” Slot commented.
Replays confirmed that Salah was indeed behind the ball during Robertson’s cross. After having netted twice in the previous 15 matches, he has now scored two in two. Though Salah had been less than impressive beforehand, he responded when it mattered, sealing the deal against Wolves. “The timing of their second goal was the most frustrating aspect for me,” noted Wolves manager Rob Edwards.
Hee-chan Hwang grabbed a late consolation for Wolves (Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Jones then padded the scoreline to ensure a comfortable victory, allowing Slot to do something rare—substituting Virgil van Dijk. His replacement, Ibrahima Konate, inexplicably missed a chance to secure a fourth goal. Ngumoha also had opportunities, with a shot saved after maneuvering past Jackson Tchatchoua and another effort that went narrowly wide. His aggressive approach against defenders added an extra threat, showcasing his fearless nature evident in his recent performances. “I believe he performed better than he did midweek because he retained possession more confidently,” Slot commented. “It’s now up to him to consistently bring that level of play.”
Slot believed his team delivered a consistent performance at Molineux, noting, “The majority of aspects were similar to three days prior, except we managed to score more.” However, Edwards expressed a differing view, stating, “Their intensity today was superior. They displayed an elite level.”
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are into the last eight (AFP via Getty Images)
As they aim for Wembley, Liverpool recognizes this is their best chance at silverware this season, making it potentially a redemptive year for both Salah and Robertson as they look for a silver lining.