Wolves put in an awful performance against Liverpool last night – but the outcome might have been different had Fabinho received a red card for his challenge on Mario Lemina.
Wolves missed an opportunity to move away from the relegation zone, with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah scoring for the hosts.
Julen Lopetegui’s side were way off it at Anfield.
Wanderers just couldn’t lay a glove on the Reds, in what was a really poor quality game.
It felt at times as though there was no intent to get at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled this season and Wolves have fared well against them in the previous three meetings.
So to have watched such a performance was bitterly disappointing.
But there was one moment in the second-half that might have put wind into Wolves’ sails.
Lemina was in possession and overran the ball. Liverpool midfielder Fabinho then came to challenge him.
Lemina lunged and won the ball, with Fabinho catching the Gabon midfielder high on his leg.
Some have suggested that Lemina jumped into the challenge.
But the 29-year-old barely left the ground and cleanly won the ball.
Fabinho then caught Lemina’s outstretched leg.
Referee Paul Tierney only awarded a yellow card for the Brazilian. Really, it should have been a red card as it was a dangerous tackle that was both late and high.
Fabinho was very lucky not to receive a red card against Wolves
Fabinho really was lucky to get away with only a yellow card for that tackle on Lemina.
Yes, Lemina went in strong. And he did come off the ground slightly. But it was a clean tackle. Fabinho caught Lemina high on his leg and could have done some serious damage.
Had Fabinho been sent off, the outcome of the game could have been entirely different.
Wolves had really struggled to get a foothold in the game.
So to have had an opportunity to play against 10 men might have resulted in a completely different Wolves performance.