Match Thread: Liverpool v Wolves. Final Fixture 2021/2022
By Ivybridge Wolf
May 22 2022
The last match of 2021/22. A season of real ups and down, some highs, many lows, including a very low ‘goals for’ column and a very poor run in. When did it become a thing that we stopped believing we could win every match we play? And today it’s Liverpool ….. at Anfield. Funnily enough the bookies are refusing to make us favourites.
Moving on:
14th January 1984 – Steve Mardenborough
29th December 2010 – Stephen Ward
You will no doubt appreciate the significance … the last two players to score winning Wolves goals at Anfield!! Who could be our hero this afternoon?
Stats aren’t in our favour; we’ve lost six from seven final matches in the premier league and Liverpool have not lost at home on the final day since Arsenal won the league in 1989 in dramatic style.
Since the Wardy winner, we’ve lost all 10 of our league matches versus Liverpool, okay we won two cup matches, but on current form, one win in eight, two draws (one versus Norwich) and five defeats point to a very tough day in Liverpool. They haven’t lost a league home match in 22 for gawds sakes!! Added to that, their current form is extraordinary, showing real class including two fine gritty fightbacks versus Villa and Saints. Like Manchester City, a great side. A win and a bit of a helping hand from Mr Gerrard’s Villa and Liverpool are champions. Oh, and they’re in the European / Champions League Final next weekend. All this can only end with one likely outcome, a guaranteed Wolves win!!
When considering our team and who will be selected, then it is and remains difficult to predict how Bruno sees it. But I’ll have a go. I reckon Sa, Boly, Coady, Tito, Jonny, RAN, Donk, Moutinho, Neves, Neto, Jimenez. Couldn’t decide on whether Chiq would get on for Donk from the off, but I think Bruno will opt for the Belgian. Who knows to be honest? Personally, I’d like to see Chiq get the nod, he knows no fear, he’s raw and evidence suggests he can cross a ball and cause a bit of havoc.
Whatever the line up, it feels like this current crop are coming to the end of an era. It’s easy to say be careful what you wish for, but with the widely discussed view that Neves is leaving, then our hand will be well and truly forced. Added to that, Moutinho’s time is short, plus so many players either showing poor form or just total inconsistency, then this team will need a shake up, and form a new spine. We need goals. Fosun need to pull their finger out to match so many of their previous statements of intent and progress, though admittedly over the last couple of years ‘it’s all gone quiet over there’. For the record, despite so many rumours across the net at the moment (whatever the foundation, solid basis or otherwise), and whilst impossible not to question some of his decisions, I’d like us to keep Bruno, it’s Chairman Shi who needs to show a bit more action and back the manager.
As for Neves, should this be his last match, then what a fantastic player he has been for Wolves. He came to us aged 20 and it was clear he was class from the off. Likely along with the rest of us, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in that promotion winning side and since, exemplified by possibly Wolves goal of my lifetime versus Derby in 2018. As Jota left, he stayed and throughout his contribution has provided an extra dimension, elegance, drive, guile and push. His ability to pick a pass and deliver has been masterful. Should he leave, Ruben will be sorely missed.
And so, as said, it’s the grand finale of this weird season. I’d have taken 8th at the start, or something similar, though that doesn’t go deep enough into a season of missed opportunities, lack of goal scoring ability (but generally excellent defending) and a final and very dispiriting two months. But this afternoon, whatever the bookies say, whatever media drooling over our red opposition, whatever our current relegation style form, whatever VAR might do to thwart our advances and whatever our own fears, I am certain we all want to see performance and effort that befits the Gold shirt. Those leaving the club should play for a lasting positive memory of their time with us, those remaining should be busting a gut to show Bruno (or Jeff) they are worthy of their place in 2022/23. There is the not too small incentive and desire to stop Liverpool, a fantastic side, in their tracks and in their own back yard. Passion, fight, the will to win, the aspiration for the 3 points. Lawro reckons we’ll lose 2-0 so good news there. Viva the memory of Mardenborough and Ward!! Just don’t mention it’s reported we’ll receive extra cash for the Jota deal should they win the league!
Chesh remains away for this game, I too may only have limited access, either experiencing ecstasy or downright despondency … but always Wolves! As ever and for the last time in 2021/22, enjoy the match, please feel free leave your thoughts and comments pre, during or post match!!
UTW and here’s to todays match and 2022/23!!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:06:09:18:24:06 by Ivybridge Wolf.
1. My first Molineux visit Wolves v Liverpool 1972, programme and match report
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2. My First real Wolves heartbreak, May 1976, not before Steve 'The Tank' Kindon got in on the action
3. One of the most unlikely Wolves wins of my life and the most unlikely goal scorer January 1984
4. Memory Lane on the Molineux Way - When Merlin waved his magic at Anfield
The Molineux Way Memory Lane 1. December 2010
The Molineux Way Memory Lane 2. December 2010
The Molineux Way Memoray Lane 3. December 2010
5. We have been able to beat them since then ! Janaury 2019.
Liverpool will be up for this and so will the crowd so it will be important that our lads take to the pitch in equally determined manner and knuckle down quickly to stem what I am sure will be a crimson tide during the opening gambit. If we can avoid conceding an early goal some chances may come our way, let's hope that if they do we are able to take them. If City go behind then we should be ready for something akin to a siege from both Liverpool players and fans, not a situation for the faint hearted so stout hearts and full commitment will be the minimum requirement.
Cmon lads today could be your day.
And a big thankyou to those players who may not don the shirt again.
I am indeed enjoying the Cretan sunshine today, and all set up to be in front of the TV at 6pm our time alongside my friend who is a L’pool fan!! Let’s all hope for a memorable game in which we at least make 3 points really difficult for the Reds, and hope against hope for a Ruben Neves special to finish the season
Subs: Hoever, Marcal, Daniel Podence, Trincao, Mosquera, Silva, Chiquinho, Ruddy, Hwang.
Okay, I got that right, how about this for a second prediction:
Liverpool 1-2 Wolves. We can all dream. UTW!
For the record, here’s Liverpool - Jota get’s his chance, Salah and Van Dijk on the bench
Hwang and Donk both could have added but the pressure is mounting.
An interesting half awaits!!
UTW!!
We look dangerous on the break and even though Liverpool have had the vast majority of possession our back line has been pretty reliable. Raul working his socks trying to keep the pressure on Liverpool when he gets the chance.
No doubt Liverpool will come out knowing that Man City are trailing so will apply themselves to the task and keep the pressure on us ,we will have to dig deep but with a bit of luck and a following wind__who knows.
Great match and strangely our best performance for several weeks but Liverpool were just too strong and had something to play for.
A good effort by all the players although I was disappointed in Hwang who had a poor touch and many of his passes went astray. Having been very disappointed in the performances during the last few matches this performance was much improved although pointless but not through lack of effort and ambition.
Looking forward to next season.
I back any player ( almost ) when he is wearing a Wolves shirt and for that reason I hesitate to say it but I am wondering if Hwang's inclusion is purely for the Asian market because after a decent start when he first came into the side back in September, he produces little.
With the injuries to Sa and Neto thankfully it's the end of the season.
We must do all we can to keep Neves but it's beginning to sound ominous
Typical that Liverpool came back, it was predictable under the circumstances, though combined with the Man City comeback, our efforts meant Liverpool never enjoyed top spot at any moment, virtually or at FT. Another great side, Liverpool, but I believe the right team won the league.
Despite the defeat, 2 late goals being the difference, at least we gave it a go. Probably the best Wolves 90 minute performance in terms of effort and commitment for quite some time. Battled, hassled, harried, determined and some full on last gasp defending. But we lost.
Moments of the match really summed up our season ….. finishing quality was wasteful. Another side, a clinical finishing side would have snapped up those chances we had. Hwang, Donk, even Raul. It seems incredible but we could have won it yesterday. But didn’t. I suppose at least we made the opportunities.
Got to agree, I was really disappointed with Hwang. Nothing personal, but he isn’t good enough. Finishing, control, ball retention are not up to it. Great goals v Toon, but that was a long long time ago.
Real positives, Neto (albeit a cameo), Boly (excellent yesterday), Toti, Coady, Jimenez (worked his bloody socks off and led the line terrifically), Neves. Despite my intro and the chat, I so hope we can keep Ruben.
That’s the end then. What a strange season. Let the changes ring out!! Proven quality please, over to you Jeff.
UTW