Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez (left) is fouled by Liverpool’s English defender Joe Gomez during the English Premier League match at Molineux Stadium on 4 February 2023. (Photo by Darren Staples/AFP – restricted to editorial use; no unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club or league logos, or “live” services. Online in‑match use limited to 120 images, with an additional 40 allowed in extra time. No video emulation, betting publications, games, or single‑club/league/player publications.)
Wolves stunned Liverpool 3‑0 at Molineux, lifting themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone. Jurgen Klopp’s side were outclassed, conceding an own goal from Joel Matip, a debut strike from Craig Dawson, and a goal by Ruben Neves. The defeat left Liverpool floundering in 10th place after a third consecutive away loss, and the hosts appeared revitalised after a brief spell of dominance following the break. Liverpool’s next fixtures include a match against a reinvigorated Everton and a trip to Newcastle, underscoring the stark contrast in fortunes between Anfield and St James’ Park. With the Reds already out of the title race, only the most optimistic supporters would expect them to avoid elimination from the Champions League by Real Madrid in March.
Wolves have found a direction that Liverpool lack. Since Julen Lopetegui’s appointment and the arrival of six new signings in January, Molineux has become a fortress in the survival battle. After slipping back into the relegation zone following Everton’s early win over Arsenal, Wolves responded in style ahead of crucial games against Southampton and Bournemouth. Their performances have steadily improved, though they had scored in only half of their previous 20 top‑flight matches, making the need for change obvious. This was the first time Wolves had scored three or more goals in a game in 11 months.
Liverpool were on the brink of losing three straight Premier League away games for the first time in 11 years, after defeats at Brentford and Brighton. Confidence was low and collapsed early when Wolves surged to a 2‑0 lead within 12 minutes. The doubt began when Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia threatened, and the hosts took a fifth‑minute lead: Hwang Hee‑chan’s clever run was spotted by Sarabia, who delivered a pass that Matip deflected into his own net. Wolves continued their dominance, and seven minutes later Liverpool’s defence faltered again. Cunha got past Andy Robertson, and Joe Gomez’s header cleared the ball from Alisson Becker. Max Kilman’s header was blocked, but debutant Dawson smashed in the rebound from ten yards, sealing the stunning 3‑0 victory.
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