For the first time since 2012, the Reds were trying to avoid losing their third straight-away Premier League game, but they fell behind after only five minutes when Hwang Hee Chan’s cross was deflected into the Liverpool goal by Joel Matip.
Just seven minutes later, sloppy defending allowed Craig Dawson to score on his debut, driving in from close range. Things went worse for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
In a dismal first-half performance, Liverpool only mustered one shot on goal, but they improved after the break.
Darwin Nunez drove straight at Jose Sa as Wolves went further back after Andy Robertson’s goal-bound attempt was blocked, and Mohamed Salah’s good effort missed the post.
However, the home team withstood the pressure before attacking their opponents on the break, with Ruben Neves scoring after excellent work from Adama Traore.
With the win, Wolves moved up to 15th and out of the relegation zone, while Liverpool stayed in 10th.
Wolves DEMOLISH Liverpool ?? pic.twitter.com/yIPbH4vCUP
— 433 (@433) February 4, 2023
Problems in all areas for Liverpool
Liverpool’s troubles this season have been mostly attributed to their midfield, which the Reds haven’t improved in either of the last two transfer windows.
However, despite the latter area having been greatly enhanced, the defence and the attack have performed much below expectations for this campaign.
Injuries haven’t helped, but Saturday’s disastrous start was reminiscent of Liverpool’s early-season performances when they gave up the first goal in five of their first seven games.
The Reds have given up three goals in their last three away Premier League games, losing to Brentford, Brighton, and now Wolves.
With the most recent treble, they have given up more goals (28 in 20 games) than they did throughout the last campaign (26 in 38 games).
Liverpool did conclude the previous season with four straight victories to turn things around.
However, their attack needs to start scoring again because they have only scored once in their last 360 minutes of Premier League play.
Klopp insists he’s still the right man for Liverpool
Following Liverpool’s embarrassing 3-0 loss at Wolves, Jurgen Klopp declined to defend his players.
While there is no danger of that occurring, Klopp was asked in his post-game press conference whether he still has confidence in his ability to turn things around at Anfield as the game’s final minutes played out to the sound of home fans chanting, “you’re getting sacked in the morning.”
“Yes, indeed. Absolutely,” He responded but added that he was tired of making excuses for his team’s subpar play.
How am I not worried?” he asked. “I can’t just sit here and say everything is OK and we did great. It isn’t. I was asked if it was because I played 63 games the previous season.”
Jurgen Klopp wasn't happy with the goals Liverpool conceded ? pic.twitter.com/GFnTpuLcfj
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 4, 2023
“Yes, it’s obvious that it impacted the first half of the season, but how much longer do we want to put up with it? It’s currently February.”
“We have a full week to prepare, and the following will take another eight to nine days. Although we have a few injuries right now, we are in good shape, and even though the first 12 minutes were forbidden today, we still played them.”
“You can sense that the team lacks confidence, but the opening 12 minutes are all about defending, staying compact, and being active. Does that need a lot of confidence on your part? I’m not certain.”
