Liverpool booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a convincing 3-1 victory at Molineux on March 6, 2026. Arne Slot’s men relied on experienced players to get the job done, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones all contributing to a memorable away win.
Liverpool’s experienced players deliver at Molineux
The first half at Wolves was far from spectacular, yet Liverpool’s quality eventually showed through. Salah endured a quiet opening 45 minutes, struggling to impose himself on the game. However, the Egyptian forward found his moment to shine after the break, converting a delivery from Robertson that was so precise it demanded a goal.
Robertson’s cross was arguably the highlight of the evening. The Scottish left-back made a rare start this season, and he reminded everyone of his value with both a goal and a decisive assist. His ability to combine precision and power in the wide areas remains one of Liverpool’s most reliable weapons. At 31, Robertson had been close to leaving for Tottenham in January, yet he showed exactly why Slot still needs him in the squad.
Salah’s contribution came with its own context. The 33-year-old sparked controversy in December when he accused Liverpool of «throwing him under the bus» in a widely discussed interview. He then left for the Africa Cup of Nations, where Egypt fell to Senegal in the semi-final. Since returning, his numbers have been modest : four goals in 11 games, a far cry from the 34 he netted across all competitions last season when the Reds lifted the Premier League title.
There now appears to be a working truce between Salah and the club. Every goal he scores could nonetheless be his last in a red shirt, given the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation. A decorated career at Anfield may be drawing to its close, but Salah continues to contribute when it matters most.
Curtis Jones and the art of FA Cup reliability
While Salah grabbed headlines, Curtis Jones quietly continued his excellent FA Cup form. The midfielder scored one of Liverpool’s three goals on the night, and notably, both of his goals this season have come in FA Cup ties. He also netted in the fourth-round win over Brighton, showing a knack for delivering in knockout football.
Here are the key stats that underline Jones’ contribution to Liverpool’s FA Cup campaign this season :
- 2 goals scored — both in FA Cup matches in 2025-26
- 215 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions
- Academy graduate who has served under both Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot
- Goals scored in : fourth round (vs Brighton) and fifth round (vs Wolves)
At 25 years old, Jones is far from a veteran, but his longevity at the club speaks volumes. The academy product has been dependable and underrated, providing consistency amid a period of significant investment in the squad. His role under Slot mirrors the trust Klopp placed in him, and his FA Cup performances this season underline his importance to the team.
Rio Ngumoha : a 17-year-old learning from the best
One of the most exciting talking points from the victory at Molineux was the performance of Rio Ngumoha. The 17-year-old made only the fourth start of his senior career and delivered an eye-catching display, particularly in one-on-one situations out wide.
| Player | Age | Career starts (Liverpool) | Notable contribution vs Wolves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Ngumoha | 17 | 4 | Strong dribbling, improved ball retention |
| Curtis Jones | 25 | 215+ | Goal, FA Cup specialist form |
| Andy Robertson | 31 | Rare start | Goal and key assist for Salah |
Slot was clearly impressed by Ngumoha, praising him openly after the match. “It’s special when you are 17 years old if you are able to impact it with some very good one-v-one situations,” the Liverpool manager said. He also noted that compared to Ngumoha’s previous outing just three days earlier, the teenager showed better ball retention and more clinical decision-making in the final third.
Slot added that Ngumoha used his energy wisely, focusing it on the attacking side of his game. Surrounded by players like Salah, Robertson and Jones, the young winger is learning his trade in the best possible environment. The blend of youth and experience in this Liverpool squad is clearly something Slot is managing with care and intention.
Liverpool’s FA Cup ambitions remain firmly alive
Reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals keeps Liverpool’s hopes of a domestic cup run very much alive this season. The win at Wolves was not always pretty, but it demonstrated the squad’s ability to grind out results when the football is not flowing freely.
The balance between proven performers and emerging talent is arguably Slot’s greatest asset right now. Robertson proved his worth in a rare start. Salah scored despite playing below his peak. Jones delivered yet again in cup football. And Ngumoha showed that the next generation is already knocking on the door.
With a quarter-final berth now secured, Liverpool will have every reason to target the latter stages of the competition. The road ahead remains tough, but a squad that can call on both seasoned internationals and gifted teenagers looks well-equipped for the challenge. Arne Slot’s Liverpool is building something with depth, balance and genuine ambition across all fronts.