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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Mark Wakefield

'Night of strange sounds' - national media react to Liverpool's FA Cup win over Wolves

Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a victory over Wolves.

The Reds claimed a 1-0 win in their third round replay at Molineux on Tuesday night. Harvey Elliott scored the only goal of the tie to book Liverpool’s place in the fourth round.

Jurgen Klopp’s side will now play Brighton away in the next round as they continue their defence of the prestigious cup competition. The tie will take place at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, January 29.

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Plenty of national media outlets were in attendance to watch Liverpool’s win over Wolves. Here is a round-up of what they had to say.

Dominic King, via the Mail Online

“Jurgen Klopp must have appreciated the symbolism. After just 20 seconds, the lights went out around Molineux and plenty thought the same would happen to Liverpool’s season.

“From darkness, however, Klopp saw his team emerge like a starburst, exploding with a performance full of their old characteristics. A glorious strike from Harvey Elliott means they can defend the FA Cup for another round but there was something even better than that for Liverpool’s manager.

“It would be a nonsense to suggest, suddenly, electricity was surging through this team (unlike the Molineux generators) but here was a base to build from, a base formed with all the virtues Klopp adores such as lots of running, plenty of tackling and old fashioned graft.

“How Wolves will rue the way this fixture has panned out – they really were most unfortunate not to win the initial meeting on Merseyside – but Klopp won’t give past controversies another thought, as Liverpool won a cup tie at this venue for the first time since 1923.

“Molineux will always hold a special place in Elliott’s affections as it was here as a 16-year-old, in May 2019, he became the Premier League’s then youngest player. Images of that day are in the family album and, in the 13th minute, there was another moment that needed preserving for posterity.”

Andy Hunter, via The Guardian

“Jurgen Klopp received the reaction he demanded and the reward he craved. Liverpool will make a quick return to Brighton, scene of Saturday’s humbling in the Premier League, after holding off a determined yet toothless Wolves to secure a fourth round visit to the Amex Stadium.

“The Liverpool manager wanted another bite at Brighton simply to show a different face to Roberto De Zerbi and his team following the 3-0 reverse that he described as one of the worst of his managerial career.

“He got it thanks to an outstanding first-half strike from Harvey Elliott, who illuminated the tie with a blistering shot from 25 yards, and a resolute display as Wolves pressed for an equaliser throughout the second half.

“Julen Lopetegui’s side had their own extra motivation having been denied victory in the first meeting at Anfield due to a controversial offside decision. They had the motivation and also most of the ball, but not the finishing touch required.”

Henry Winter, via The Times

“On a night of strange sounds in the BBC studio, Liverpool showed they are still a big noise in the FA Cup.

“The sound at the end of the night was Liverpool fans singing You’ll Never Walk Alone and singing in praise of Jürgen Klopp, while Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters were still railing at the referee, Andre Marriner.

“Despite huge late pressure from Wolves, Liverpool held on for their first clean sheet in eight games. Caoimhin Kelleher again impressed with an unflustered display in goal, Ibrahima Konaté was superb in defence, Thiago Alcântara lit up midfield while Harvey Elliott set up a fourth-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion.”

John Percy, via The Telegraph

“This was the response Jurgen Klopp was seeking after the Brighton debacle, and while he is plotting Liverpool’s future there is always a place for the past.

“James Milner was 37 this month but was the leader and calming influence Liverpool desperately needed at Molineux, winning tackles and proving there is no substitute for experience when times are hard.

“Milner will coach Liverpool’s academy youngsters later this week and he remains an invaluable part of Klopp’s squad, even if his playing days may be coming to an end. He was Liverpool’s captain for the night and as he departed the field towards the final third of this FA Cup replay, Klopp was waiting for him with a bear hug.

“Liverpool recorded their first clean sheet since the League Cup tie against League One club Derby County on Nov 9, as Harvey Elliott’s spectacular 13th-minute strike settled the contest. Wolves have been knocked out of both cup competitions in the space of a week and head coach Julen Lopetegui can now focus on his battle to avoid demotion to the Championship.

“There was finally some respite for Klopp, whose Liverpool team will now face a trip to Brighton in the fourth round later this month. Milner’s importance here cannot be overestimated, in only his third start since the end of October.

“Klopp had warned his players that he would toss loyalty aside in an attempt to save Liverpool’s season from disintegrating further, making eight changes here to the team humiliated by Brighton. With the club 10 points off the top four, and reeling from a defeat on the south coast on Saturday described by their manager as “really bad”, the summer cannot come quickly enough.”

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