Liverpool found a timely boost in the FA Cup as defender Andy Robertson emerged as the unlikely hero in a 3-1 triumph over Wolves, easing the mounting pressure on head coach Arne Slot.
The Scotland captain opened the scoring with his first goal since September and quickly set up Mohamed Salah for the second, delivering both decisive contributions within just three second-half minutes.
Curtis Jones sealed the victory by curling a precise shot from the edge of the area, sending the 2022 winners into the quarter-finals, a stage they have reached only four times since their 2012 final appearance.
After a heavy Premier League defeat earlier this week, Liverpool and Slot could not afford another setback.
While 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha impressed with a man-of-the-match performance during a rare start, it was veteran Robertson who turned the game in Liverpool’s favour.
The left-back, about to celebrate his 32nd birthday, demonstrated his enduring quality, though his expiring contract leaves uncertainty over his future, especially after being relegated to second-choice behind Milos Kerkez.
Ngumoha benefited from Robertson’s guidance on the pitch, though Liverpool may soon explore additional options for the left wing.
Ngumoha was a constant threat, forcing Wolves’ right wing-back Jackson Tchatchoua into repeated defensive duels before being replaced in the 69th minute by £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz, returning from injury.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards rotated six players from Tuesday’s victory, including goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, yet the visitors maintained their tactical intent to frustrate and hit on the break.
Liverpool, who made four changes themselves, responded to midweek criticism about their sluggish first-half displays.
Ngumoha’s pace and movement dominated early proceedings, with Cody Gakpo hitting the post (ruled offside), Johnstone making key saves, and several attacks involving Ngumoha and Joe Gomez forcing Wolves back without breaking through.
Five minutes into the second half, Santiago Bueno nearly scored for the hosts, but Liverpool soon asserted control. Ngumoha recovered a loose ball deep in Liverpool’s half and helped build a flowing move from left to right through Gakpo and Salah, eventually returning to Robertson on the left.
The veteran struck from 20 yards to beat Johnstone and moments later delivered a low cross that Salah converted, despite an initial offside flag overturned by VAR.
Robertson finished the match wearing the captain’s armband in place of a rested Virgil van Dijk, as Jones added a third goal to erase the memories of Tuesday’s defeat.
Liverpool could even afford a missed open goal from Ibrahima Konaté, while Hee Chan Hwang grabbed a late consolation for Wolves.
With Robertson leading the charge and young talents like Ngumoha shining, Liverpool progress in the FA Cup, sending a message of resilience under Slot’s management.
