Liverpool beat Wolves 2-0 in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell match. The team played with a newfound sense of freedom and fluidity. Here are the five things that we learnt.
Five Things We Learnt About Liverpool After Beating Wolves 2-0
1. Set Pieces Are a Big Threat
Liverpool’s second goal came from a great in-swinging corner by Harvey Elliott, nodded on by Cody Gakpo to Mohamed Salah. His shot was “helped” in by Jarell Quansah, though it was potentially going in anyway.
Prior to this, Elliott had put in another great delivery from a free-kick resulting in a shot of 0.44 expected goals on target (xGOT) by Virgil van Dijk. His left-foot crosses are a big asset.
It was the same story in the previous match: an incredible deep free-kick from the 21-year-old to assist a great header from Quansah.
2. Harvey Elliott Will Thrive Under Arne Slot
Elliott was just 12 when Klopp became Liverpool manager and is now one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
Klopp even admitted that “If I regret one thing a little bit it’s that Harvey didn’t play often enough maybe”.
Read More: Three Players Set To Leave Liverpool Following Klopp’s Departure
He recorded another assist with a pinpoint cross, making it four goal contributions in his last three. Playing as a central midfielder who pushes forward and drifts wide, he will be the perfect player in Arne Slot’s 4-3-3 formation in a similar role to Calvin Stengs.
He created an impressive five chances and appears to have solidified himself in the midfield.
3. Mohamed Salah is Back
Salah was much more involved in this match; he had been particularly isolated against Aston Villa.
The Egyptian took seven shots, six from within the box. He got into good positions, generating an XG of 1.30. However, it was his renowned finishing that turned this into an xGOT of 2.36.
Salah was not relied on to create chances (0) and he was therefore able to play in a more advanced position, hence his XG.
Our only criticism is missing two big chances.
4. Attacking Fluidity for Liverpool Against Wolves
The Reds created an impressive 5.24 XG, their most in 2024. They created seven big chances, though missed five.
This may be partly down to Liverpool’s incredibly advanced full-backs. Andy Robertson created seven chances and was bombing high upfield all game.
Read More: Poor Liverpool Form Does Not Make Their Season a Failure
It almost seemed like the team were playing more relaxed and free-flowing in Klopp’s final match.
5. Liverpool Are Capable of Keeping Clean Sheets
Liverpool had conceded at least two goals in each of their last four matches before playing Wolves. This is just their second clean sheet in their last 17 outings.
However, this was a completely different performance. The midfield controlled the game, and the defence was watertight.
Wolves had just four shots and only one clear chance which resulted from a counter-attack after a set-piece. It was testimony to Quansah’s maturity, completing a match-high of ten defensive actions.
