Jurgen Klopp’s glorious reign as Liverpool manager ended on a high, as the Reds cruised to a 2-0 victory over 10-man Wolves on an emotional afternoon at Anfield, with Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister the most impressive players on show.
Mac Allister was involved in the game’s two key moments, with the Argentine on the receiving end of a terribly mistimed tackle from Nelson Semedo that resulted in an initial yellow card being upgraded to a red after invention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Seven minutes later, Mac Allister opened the scoring, heading home a lovely cross from Elliott.
Liverpool then killed the game as a contest just before the break when Jarell Quansah effectively blocked the ball over the line, thus turning the second half into one long tribute to one of the greatest managers in the club’s long and illustrious history.
GOAL rates all the Reds on show as Klopp bid a fond farewell to an adoring Anfield…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (7.5/10):
Given so little to do overall but did make a couple of important saves, while his distribution was typically precise.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.5/10):
Didn’t connect properly with a couple of strikes on goal but some of his crosses were outstanding. Unlucky not to end with an assist to his name.
Jarell Quansah (8/10):
A second goal in two games for the young centre-back, was a real threat every time he ventured forward for a set-piece, while he enjoyed an armchair ride alongside his skipper.
Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10):
One of his easiest afternoons in a Liverpool shirt, with the Dutchman utterly untroubled by a toothless, 10-man Wolves side.
Andy Robertson (8/10):
Back to something approaching his brilliant best, the Scot caused Wolves all sorts of problems with his rampaging runs down the left flank, creating five chances in the first half alone.
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Midfield
Harvey Elliott (8/10):
Enjoyed such a strong finish to the season. The versatile midfielder got his just reward for another all-action display with an assist for Mac Allister.
Wataru Endo (7.5/10):
Even before Wolves were reduced to 10 men, the Japanese was winning the midfield battle, repeatedly regaining possession with his tenacious tackling, as well as moving the ball quickly.
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):
After a really rough night at Aston Villa, the Argentine deservedly finished an excellent debut season at Liverpool with a headed goal that capped a lively performance.
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Attack
Mohamed Salah (6.5/10):
Had a hand in Liverpool’s second goal as it was his shot that Quansah ended up forcing over the line and he drew a fine save out of Sa midway through the second half – but he wasn’t his usual clinical self and also gave the ball away quite a lot.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Once again led the line well, teeing up Diaz for a great chance before then seeing an effort of his own saved by Sa.
Luis Diaz (6.5/10):
Liverpool’s most dangerous forward in the first half, but squandered a great opportunity in the second when his close-range shot struck the crossbar before bouncing onto the line – rather than over it.
Subs & Manager
Conor Bradley (6/10):
Took over at right-back from Alexander-Arnold.
Darwin Nunez (6/10):
Replaced Diaz and went up top as Gakpo moved out to the left flank.
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):
Came on for Mac Allister for the last 20 minutes.
Curtis Jones (N/A):
Only introduced in place of Elliott with less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
Dominik Szoboszlai (N/A):
Subbed on at the same time as fellow midfielder Jones, replacing Gakpo, and his late through-ball should have been converted by Salah.
Jurgen Klopp (7.5/10):
Got the victory he so richly deserved in his final game at Anfield – and it was achieved with the minimum of fuss. Indeed, the game took on a testimonial feel from the moment Liverpool went 1-0 up after Semedo’s dismissal. The atmosphere during the final few minutes, in particular, will live long in the memory of everyone who was lucky enough to be present.
