Diogo Jota came back to haunt Wolverhampton Wanderers with the only goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Molineux on Monday night. The former Wolves forward, who sealed a £45million transfer to Liverpool in September, punished Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in first half stoppage time. Speaking before the game,
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I am absolutely sure that if Molineux was full of our fans he would get a good reception because what Diogo did with us was amazing. He is truly admired because he gave everything that he had for Wolves. He joined us in the Championship, coming from Porto, he put his life and his heart here. That cannot ever be forgotten.”
Jota briefly wheeled away before remembering who it was he’d just scored against and muting his celebrations, a show of class from a player who is still adored by Wolves fans and the teammates and staff he left behind.
Poor refereeing helps Liverpool
Liverpool needed their fair share of luck to take three points from Molineux, just as they have done in each of their visits in the Premier League since Wolves’ return to the top flight in 2018. Wolves were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in the opening 90 seconds after Alisson clumsily brought down Nelson Semedo inside the box. Referee Craig Pawson momentarily raised his whistle towards his lips before waving play on and VAR clearly agreed with him.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said: “You see Traore coming down the side, and I think Nat Phillips just in front of the goalkeeper maybe takes his (Alisson’s) eye off it so he fumbles it. But that now, he follows right through. You see that right leg. I can’t believe it’s not been given as a penalty and Liverpool have got away with one.”
There was also an incident in the second half where Trent Alexander-Arnold put a hand on Joao Moutinho’s back and nudged him to the floor inside the penalty area. It was right in front of Pawson, but the referee wasn’t interested. It was one of those to file in the ‘we’ve seen them given’ category.
