Steven Gerrard makes feelings clear on controversy over Wolves goal vs Liverpool
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCSteven Gerrard refused to blame Premier League referees for Wolves’ opening goal against Liverpool and shifted the blame to two defenders who needed to be better in the duel that led to the goalSteven Gerrard blamed Liverpool's defenders for their 2-1 loss against Wolves(Image: TNT Sports)Not every Premier League goal will be a FIFA Puskas Award contender; some are accidental, scored by defenders, and others are controversial enough to spark pundit debates.While some Liverpool supporters debated online whether the referees missed a foul call during the physical duel in the air, Steven Gerrard blamed the two defenders involved in the first goal, which led to Wolves' 2-1 victory over the Reds on Tuesday.Gerrard believed the real issue behind Wolves’ opener was not officiating but Liverpool’s defending from usually two of the most reliable defenders on the pitch, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. The Liverpool legend gave Arne Slot starting-11 advice before the match, which wasn't considered before kickoff.READ MORE: Liverpool worst team in Premier League history in dismal category after Wolves shockerREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk lays into 'slow' and 'predictable' Liverpool after Wolves lossThe moment came late in a match that had been slow and predictable by Van Dijk's standards.
Gomes sprinted, beat Konate, and lobbed Alisson Becker to give Wolves a 78th-minute lead.Content cannot be displayed without consentSome Liverpool supporters claimed Van Dijk was fouled in the aerial challenge that began the move, but Gerrard rejected that theory during a TNT Sports interview. I think he’s got to be a lot stronger in that situation," he said.
"I also think that Konate could have bailed him out of trouble."Gerrard analyzed the defensive sequence thoroughly and said that Liverpool’s center-backs' positioning and technique could have completely prevented the opportunity.He called out Konate for attempting to tackle Gomes with his wrong leg, and that wrapping his right foot and leg around the ball would have easily put Gomes out of position to score.Both Wolves' Andre and teammate Rodrigo Gomes scored goals in the win against Liverpool at Molineux The former Liverpool captain added that asking the referee for a foul would be "clutching at straws," given that they already knew Wolves would be physical in the moment. Wolves struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time after Alisson's distribution from goal eventually fell to Andre.The Brazilian midfielder's long-range deflected shot in the 94th minute secured victory, but Wolves remained at the bottom of the Premier League's table, fighting relegation.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCWolverhampton Wanderers FCVirgil Van DijkIbrahima Konaté