Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year spell came to a close with a Liverpool victory at Anfield. Goals from Alexis Max Allister and Jarell Quansah secured all three points on the day. An emotional Anfield serenaded the departing the beloved boss after the final whistle, with the German firmly cemented as a man they can now call one of their own.
As it happened
After a rendition of the famous “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, play got underway at Anfield with chances at either end. Wolves escaped a scare after Virgil van Djik’s effort was blocked. Down the other end, Hwang Hee-Chan had a chance to capitalise on the counter-attack. Via a deflection, the South Korean’s effort whistled just wide.
Wolves’ task was made even harder when they were reduced to 10. The ball ran away from Nélson Semedo after a poor first touch; his lunge on Mac Allister was late and reckless. Chris Kavanagh’s original decision was yellow, but that was later overturned by VAR, with the Portuguese defender instantly dismissed as Wolves’ disdain for the technology deepens.
Just six minutes after the sending off, Klopp’s farewell party was well and truly underway. Harvey Elliot’s invitation with a cross from the left-hand side was accepted by Mac Allister, with his header leaving Jose Sa with no chance.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt didn’t take long for Liverpool to grab their second of the afternoon, with Quansah bundling it in. Gakpo rose highest from the corner, with his flick finding Mohammed Salah at the back post. His deflected effort dropped kindly to the 21-year-old, who prodded it over the line for 2-0.
A half of complete domination from the Reds saw them go into the break with a healthy 2-0 lead. It’s fair to say it could have been more, though, with Klopp’s side accumulating 21 shots in total. It was going to be a long afternoon for the visitors.
Plenty of chances went begging in the second half for Liverpool. With Sa making saves to deny Gakpo and Salah joining in with the goals, the home side were desperate to add to their tally.
It was time for the final goodbyes as the full-time whistle blew in Merseyside. Despite the football being far from priority this afternoon, it was Liverpool who claimed the three points.
Jürgen Klopp concluded his time at the club with a heartfelt speech whilst also singing the name of his yet-to-be-confirmed successor, Arne Slot.
The lineups
LIV: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Djik, Robertson; Elliot, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
WOL: Sá; Bueno, Kilman, Gomes; Semedo, Gomes, Lemina, Bellegarde, Ait-Nouri; Hwang, Cunha