Wolves were unable to capitalise on Ipswich and Leicester City dropping points this weekend. The Old Gold suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool.
Despite being the overwhelming underdogs, Vitor Pereira’s side started well against Liverpool.
A wayward pass from Pablo Sarabia was to blame for Luis Diaz’s opener, with Mo Salah doubling the Reds’ advantage from the spot just before half time.
However, although the home team deserved their lead, one player was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch.
Jermaine Defoe slams ‘clumsy’ Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate had a poor first half display and Sky Sports punditry duo Jamie Redknapp and Jermaine Defoe thought he was lucky to not have seen red.
Konate was already on a yellow card when he mistimed a headed clearance and collided heavily with Matheus Cunha.
Knocking the Wolves forward off his feet, Konate’s challenge was arguably worthy of a second yellow. Simon Hooper opted against showing the Liverpool number five another card, though.
“You can’t afford to go challenging like that,” Redknapp told Sky Sports at half time.
Defoe added: “The second one [challenge] is clumsy. You can see from the distance that, you know, at some point you must have realised they’re not going to get it. I think he’s got to leave it, but this is clumsy.”
Konate was unsurprisingly subbed off at the break for Jarell Quansah.
Us against the world
Even though Wolves will consider themselves unlucky not to have had a one man advantage, Pereira will know his side can’t rely on decisions going their way.
The Premier League is notorious for inconsistent officiating, and this Game Week has been no different.
Admitting the Liverpool defender was lucky to stay on the pitch, Pereira, who spoke to reporters after the game, said: “For me he shouldn’t have been on the pitch, but what can I do?”
Vitor Pereira on Konate: For me he shouldn’t have been on the pitch, but what can I do?#wwfc pic.twitter.com/TxnZu7jObU
— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) February 16, 2025
The Portuguese manager should use Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Liverpool as inspiration to create an ‘us-against-the-world’ environment at Compton Park.
Wolves, down in 17th place, have it all to play for and are still the favourites to retain their top flight status.