PLAYER RATINGS: Alexis Mac Allister ends his first season at Anfield with a goal… but Liverpool forwards lack end product in Jurgen Klopp’s final game in charge
The Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool ended with a 2-0 win over Wolves on the final day of the season.
Alexis Mac Allister and Jarrell Quansah scored the goals on a hugely emotional afternoon at Anfield.
Liverpool had numerous chances to add to the score against ten-man Wolves, but were unable to finish off their opponents with a third.
Klopp will now leave the club after nine seasons, with Reds fans now set to look forward to the Arne Slot era.
Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele takes a look at who the star performers were on a big day in Liverpool.
Klopp received a thunderous ovation from the Anfield faithful as he walked out for the final time.
Liverpool
Alisson Becker – 7
He didn’t have much to do, but he stood tall to put off Hwang when he rushed in the first half and eventually took over. I did well to deny Cunha after the break.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Whether he came in or was a traditional winger, Alexander-Arnold once again proved dangerous.
Jarell Quansah – 8
Keeping Ibrahima Konate out of the team on merit with strong defensive performances. And he has also become a goal threat, his second in two games.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.5 (reserved)
Showed his commanding ability when Cunha threatened to overtake him and scored late in the first half. Coaches young Quansah throughout the game – even if he doesn’t need it.
Jarrell Quansah (left) followed his goal against Aston Villa with another against Wolves
Andy Robertson – 7.5
Made some early assists and was a common thread on Liverpool’s left side, always causing problems. Anguished moment when he fell injured but recovered.
Harvey Elliott – 7.5
Jurgen Klopp says the biggest regret of his era is not playing Elliott enough – but he has been a crucial member of the team in recent weeks. Nice cross for Liverpool’s opener.
Wataru Endo-7
The Japan captain was missed when he was substituted at Aston Villa on Monday as Liverpool lost control from there. Another decent afternoon here.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8 MOTM
A very good first season at Anfield ended with a great goal from a great header. This came after a great run with the ball saw him arrive late into the penalty area.
Alexis Mac Allister proved to be one of the Premier League’s best signings in Klopp’s final season.
Mohamed Salah was dangerous throughout but lacked end product in the first half
Mohamed Salah – 7.5
Dangerous throughout but lacking end product in the first half, missing a counter-attack when Liverpool had a numerical advantage.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Made a great header to throw the ball for Quansah’s goal and had some good moments in the build-up play. Had a poor shot when in a good position in the first half and should have done better just before the hour mark when spotted in the box.
Luis Diaz – 7
Like Salah, he lacked the end product at key moments. He hit the bar early in the second half, shot straight at Sa early on and his final ball let him down at times. But other than that, it’s a dangerous display.
Luis Diaz also lacked end product and hit the bar early in the second half.
Substitutes
Conor Bradley (for Alexander-Arnold, 72) – 6
Ryan Gravenberch (for Mac Allister, 72) – 6
Darwin Nunez (for Diaz, 72) – 6
Curtis Jones (for Elliott, 80)
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Gakpo, 80 years old)
Not used: Caoimhin Kelleher, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota.
WOLVES (3-5-2)
José Sa – 7.5
Made some good saves – the pick of the pack was against Gakpo in the second half – and had to stand tall at times to resist the onslaught of Liverpool attacks. There wasn’t much I could do about the goals.
Santiago Bueno – 6
I made some nice blocks but the Wolves back line was often stretched. Sponged well at times covering the correct channel.
Max Kilman – 5
Made some decisive interceptions and blocks. I was always going to face it, especially after the red card.
Toti – 5.5 (Reserved)
Salah often hung on to him and he struggled at times when the Egyptian placed himself between Toti and left-back Ait-Nouri.
Nelson Semedo – 3 (Expelled)
Sent off very early for a bad tackle on Mac Allister. This probably meant no malice, but it was poorly timed and could have caused injury. Ditch his team.
Nelson Semedo sent off following poor challenge on Liverpool star Mac Allister
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 5
Played a nice cross to Hwang in the first half but couldn’t get into the game in an attacking sense otherwise.
Mario Lemina – 6
Made some solid interceptions and tackles, but Liverpool got the better of him for the most part.
Joao Gomes – 6.5
Jostled and flustered on the ball in Wolves’ midfield, but they were often outplayed after the red card.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7
Difficult afternoon against Salah and Alexander-Arnold for his part. Made good clearances at the back post. He didn’t do much until the 68th minute, when he avoided Alisson and fed Cunha, but the chance was missed.
Rayan Ait-Nouri struggled against Salah and Alexander-Arnold but made good clearances
Hee Chan Hwang – 6.5
Great run after 17 minutes as he was pushed through on goal but wasn’t decisive enough and Alisson saved.
Matheus Cunha – 7
A livewire in the Wolves attack but it lacked the clinical edge. Made a great run past Van Dijk in the first half and wanted a penalty but perhaps wasn’t strong enough.
Substitutes
Matt Doherty (for Hwang, 62) – 6
Boubacar Traoré (for Bellegarde, 62) – 6
Hugo Bueno (for Aït-Nouri, 78)
Pedro Neto (for Cunha, 78 years old)
Tommy Doyle (for S Bueno, 85)
Not used: Dan Bentley, Enso Gonzalez, Tawanda Chirewa, Nathan Fraser.
