Rio Ngumoha Should Start For Liverpool, Gerrard Urges Slot After Impressive Cameo

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Steven Gerrard is urging Arne Slot to start Rio Ngumoha after another strong display from the bench in Liverpool's defeat at Wolves. Ngumoha entered on 65 minutes for Cody Gakpo at Molineux, yet still outshone senior forwards in a 2-1 loss that damaged Liverpool's Champions League push.

The match slipped away late, continuing a trend that has hurt Liverpool all season. Rodrigo Gomes struck in the 78th minute, Mohamed Salah levelled soon after, but Andre scored the winner in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time. Liverpool have now lost five Premier League games to goals in the 90th minute.

Ngumoha created two chances and completed two dribbles, more than Salah and Gakpo combined, despite playing only 25 minutes plus stoppage time. Gerrard highlighted that impact when questioning Slot's selection choices, especially after another subdued outing from Liverpool's senior attackers in a key league fixture.

Gerrard did not hide dissatisfaction with much of what Liverpool produced before Ngumoha came on. "For 65 minutes Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor, didn't create enough, didn't play at the right speed or the right tempo, didn't have enough quality," Gerrard said. That assessment framed Gerrard's call for a change in the forward line.

The first period summed up Liverpool's struggles in possession. They recorded an expected goals figure of only 0.26 from six attempts before half-time, reflecting sterile pressure and limited threat. Wolves, managed by Rob Edwards, contained Liverpool for long spells and looked sharper when chances arrived.

Gerrard argued that Ngumoha has earned a starting role, including in the upcoming FA Cup tie on Friday night. "[Slot] has to start Ngumoha. He has to start him because he's coming on, and he's doing more in a short cameo in a short space of time than Gakpo's doing in 65, 70 minutes. He deserves to start now. He's got to start the kid on Friday night [in the FA Cup]."

"The first half [against Wolves] was a complete waste from a Liverpool point of view," said Gerrard. "No urgency, no ball speed change when you got into the final third of the pitch, there wasn't much quality or penetration." Those concerns added weight to Gerrard's support for Ngumoha's inclusion from kick-off.

Liverpool Champions League race implications

The defeat prevented Liverpool from moving into the Premier League's top four. Three points would have drawn Liverpool level with Manchester United and Aston Villa. Villa, three points behind Liverpool before facing Chelsea on Thursday, still have the chance to tighten that contest for Champions League qualification.

The setback, and the manner of the late concession, underlined why Gerrard is focusing on sharper attacking choices and greater urgency. With Liverpool repeatedly punished in stoppage time this season, Slot's response, including any decision on Ngumoha starting, could shape the remainder of the campaign.