Steven Gerrard Delivers Scathing Verdict on Liverpool's 'Desperate' Wolves Loss
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has launched a stinging critique of his former club following their dramatic 90th-minute defeat against bottom-placed Wolves on Tuesday evening. The Reds' loss at Molineux, sealed by a late goal, marks their fifth defeat to 90th-minute strikes this Premier League campaign – a new unwanted record in the competition's history.
Title Holders' Champions League Position Under Threat
This latest setback significantly weakens the reigning champions' hold on the fifth and final Champions League qualification spot. Liverpool now face immediate pressure, with Chelsea poised to overtake them should they secure victory against Aston Villa, thanks to their superior goal difference. The Reds must quickly regroup ahead of a crucial FA Cup rematch against Wolves this week, but according to Gerrard, substantial improvements are essential if they hope to exact revenge.
Gerrard's Blunt Assessment of Liverpool's Performance
Speaking as a pundit for TNT Sports, Gerrard did not mince words about Liverpool's display. 'For 65 minutes, Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor,' he stated emphatically. 'They didn't play with the right tempo, the right quality.' He highlighted defensive frailties that proved costly, noting that Wolves appeared comfortable throughout and contained Liverpool effectively.
Gerrard pointed specifically to the goals conceded, describing the first as stemming from 'a basic ball up to the target man' that should have been dealt with, and the second originating from 'a poor ball from the goalkeeper' with insufficient reaction from the defence. 'If they want to progress in the FA Cup they've got to defend a lot better,' he warned. 'They say we weren't good enough in the final third but they've got to defend the other way.'
Plea for Teenager Rio Ngumoha to Start
Adding to his critique, Gerrard joined growing calls for manager Arne Slot to hand talented young attacker Rio Ngumoha a starting role. 'He's doing more in a short cameo than (Cody) Gakpo in 65 minutes,' Gerrard observed, insisting that Slot must play him 'now'. This comes despite Gakpo's recent return to scoring form in Liverpool's 5-2 thrashing of West Ham last weekend, with the £44million forward having faced criticism this season for inconsistent performances.
Controversial Foul Incident Involving Van Dijk
Gerrard also addressed a contentious moment preceding Wolves' opening goal, where captain Virgil van Dijk appeared to be pushed by Tolu Arokodare in midfield before responding with a retaliatory shove. While some fans on social media expressed outrage, particularly given recent debates about physical contact thresholds that Tottenham have highlighted, Gerrard remained unconvinced it warranted a foul.
'I don't think it's a foul,' he asserted. 'I think he's got to be a lot stronger in that situation. I also think Konate could have got him out of trouble, he went in with the wrong leg. He could've bailed Van Dijk out there but you're clutching at straws to claim a foul there. He will be slightly disappointed in himself when he watches that back.'
Van Dijk himself declined to comment on whether the contact constituted a foul, but acknowledged Liverpool's overall shortcomings. 'It was slow, we were predictable, sloppy in possession and wrong decision-making,' the captain admitted post-match.
Challenging Schedule Ahead for Liverpool
With no points gained from this fixture, Liverpool's immediate focus shifts to the FA Cup clash against Wolves, followed by Champions League commitments. Their next opportunity to revive their Premier League form arrives next Sunday when they host Tottenham at Anfield, presenting a significant chance to stabilise their league position amid a packed and demanding schedule.
