Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has criticised his former club’s performance in their shock 2-1 defeat to Wolves, describing the display as “really poor” and urging manager Arne Slot to give teenage winger Rio Ngumoha a starting opportunity.
The Reds suffered a damaging loss at Molineux, with Wolves capitalising on defensive mistakes and a lack of attacking sharpness from the visitors. Gerrard, working as a pundit for TNT Sports, was particularly critical of Liverpool’s attacking rhythm and suggested the team lacked urgency throughout large spells of the match.
Steven Gerrard calls for Rio Ngumoha to start
Gerrard’s strongest comments centred on Liverpool’s attacking struggles and the impact made by 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha during his brief appearance.
The teenager came on late in the game but showed more directness and energy than several senior players, prompting Gerrard to argue that Slot should hand him a starting role in the upcoming FA Cup meeting with Wolves.
“For 65 minutes, Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor. They didn’t play with the right tempo, the right quality. He’s doing more in a short cameo than Cody Gakpo in 65 minutes. So he deserves a start. Slot has to start the kid on Friday night.” — Steven Gerrard, TNT Sports
Ngumoha’s cameo contrasted with a difficult evening for Cody Gakpo, who struggled to impose himself despite leading Liverpool’s attacking line for much of the match.
Defensive mistakes punished by Wolves
While Gerrard highlighted attacking problems, he also pointed to defensive lapses that allowed Wolves to take control of the contest.
The opening goal stemmed from a simple long ball situation that Liverpool failed to deal with, leaving Wolves’ forward with space to exploit. Gerrard suggested both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk could have handled the situation better.
Liverpool’s second setback came after an error from goalkeeper Alisson Becker, with Wolves reacting quicker to capitalise on the loose ball.
“Wolves were very comfortable, they contained Liverpool really well. It was a basic ball up to the target man and they’ve got a two on one there, that’s got to be dealt with. For the second goal, it’s a poor ball from the goalkeeper and there’s no reaction.” — Steven Gerrard
Liverpool reaction after Molineux defeat
Inside the Liverpool camp, the assessment of the performance was similarly frank. Manager Arne Slot described the defeat as another setback during an inconsistent spell of results.
Captain Virgil van Dijk also acknowledged the team’s shortcomings.
“It was slow, we were predictable, sloppy in possession and wrong decision-making.” — Virgil van Dijk
Having followed Liverpool closely in recent weeks, the lack of attacking fluency has become a recurring concern during several matches. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about the team’s overall trajectory under Slot.
Key Insights
- Liverpool lost 2-1 to Wolves at Molineux on 4 March 2026.
- Steven Gerrard criticised the team’s tempo and attacking quality.
- The Liverpool legend urged Arne Slot to start Rio Ngumoha.
- Defensive mistakes and an Alisson error contributed to the defeat.
- Liverpool now face pressure ahead of upcoming fixtures.
What’s Next?
Liverpool meet Wolves again in the FA Cup fifth round later this week, offering an immediate chance for response. Slot must quickly address the issues exposed at Molineux while managing a demanding fixture schedule.
Following that cup tie, the Reds return to Premier League action with a major home match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield next weekend. With the race for Champions League qualification tightening, the upcoming run of matches could prove decisive for Liverpool’s season.
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