The Liverpool Offside - Premier League 2021-22 Coverage: Liverpool vs. WolvesZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2022-05-22T21:00:00+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/229007142022-05-22T21:00:00+01:002022-05-22T21:00:00+01:00Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s Win Over Wolves
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<img alt="Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WgO_xvcF56EcThOqkGdJbTpN-FY=/0x0:4537x3025/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70898314/1240832447.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool got the result they needed, but it wasn’t enough as Manchester City scored three quick goals to pip the Reds for the Premier League.</p> <p id="iRp23K">One point. Coming into the match with Wolves, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> were one single point behind <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>. It looked like Steven Gerrard and <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> would do their part, getting out to an improbable 2-0 lead while Liverpool were knotted with Wolves at 1-1. Five minutes of madness saw everything undone as Manchester City stormed back for a 3-2 win despite Liverpool finding the back of the net two more times themselves. In the end, after 38 games, it was one single point that denied Liverpool a Premier League title again.</p>
<p id="AFP7YI">Let’s take a look at some of the winners, losers, and other narratives around the game.</p>
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<h2 id="sXLY7C"><strong>Winners</strong></h2>
<p id="aRXUN4"><strong>The Entire Squad</strong><br>What a season it has been for Jürgen Klopp and his mighty Reds! For the third time under his leadership, and for the fourth time ever, Liverpool eclipsed the 90 point mark in the league. Contributions have come from players up and down the roster, and their efforts should absolutely be lauded despite falling just short of winning the Premier League. This is the best Liverpool squad from top to bottom I have aver seen.</p>
<p id="q9adii"><strong>Sadio Mané</strong><br>What a second half of the season it has been for Mané! He was on the mark again against Wolves for his 16th goal in the Premier League., and it was his 13th goal in all competitions since returning from the African Cup of Nations. His all around play as a central striker has been a revelation, and he was at his best again today. He battled hard to win the ball back time after time, and showed great physicality and quickness to turn away from pressure. He had four key passes and beat two men on the dribble while also making two tackles on the defensive side.</p>
<p id="x9P8a6"><strong>Golden Reds</strong><br>With his goal today, Mohamed Salah finished with 23 goals in the Premier League, tied with Son Heung-Min for the Golden Boot. It is the third time in five years that Salah has finished at the top of the goal scoring chart. Salah also won the Playmaker of the Season award with 13 assists, finishing just ahead of teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. Not too shabby for a one season wonder.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Exceptional, <a href="https://twitter.com/MoSalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoSalah</a> <a href="https://t.co/uo95LOMEHg">pic.twitter.com/uo95LOMEHg</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1528425479036088321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="aqTX5y">On the other end of the pitch, Alisson Becker earned the Premier League Golden Gloves award after earning 20 clean sheets!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Golden glove. Phenomenal goalkeeper. <a href="https://t.co/GRXTWmxrKt">pic.twitter.com/GRXTWmxrKt</a></p>— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveOCKOP/status/1528427500212199425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="h.cx6ijpcl12xk"><strong>Losers</strong></h2>
<p id="vz26VR"><strong>Injury Concerns</strong><br>Thiago walked off the field and straight down the tunnel after overhitting a pass towards the end of the first half, and he was replaced by James Milner to start the second half. Sky Sports is reporting it is a hamstring injury, with Thiago being a major doubt for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> final. It would be a huge loss for Liverpool, especially with the uncertainty if Fabinho will be fully fit.</p>
<p id="8S6z4O"><strong>Five Minutes of Madness</strong><br>It was always unlikely that Liverpool would finish the day with the Premier League title, but they were handed hope after Aston Villa jumped out to an improbable 2-0 lead over Manchester City. Five minutes of madness between 76’ and 81’ saw Manchester City storm back with three goals to deny Liverpool a Premier League title. It’s the hope that gets you.</p>
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<h2 id="umQtkD"><strong>A Tribute to Divock Origi</strong></h2>
<p id="p3syhn">Sadly, Origi picked up an injury in the last training session before the match against Wolves, so he was not able to suit up one last time for Liverpool at Anfield. Thankfully, the club and the Anfield faithful gave him a wonderful send off after the match befitting of his status of a club legend for the massive goals he has scored. He walked out to a guard of honor from his teammates as the fans chanted his name. We will miss you Divock, football without Origi is nothing.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forever a Liverpool legend ❤ <a href="https://t.co/mIlpW3Yddr">pic.twitter.com/mIlpW3Yddr</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1528428710784909313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="n36grf"><strong>What Happens Next</strong></h2>
<p id="MvV7Rc">Liverpool still have business to take care of in Paris next weekend as they look to complete the cup treble. The Reds will play their 63rd match of the season next Saturday as they take on <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> in the Champions League finals.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/22/23136909/digging-deeper-into-liverpools-win-over-wolves-sadio-mane-mohamed-salah-alisson-divock-origi-pl-22Cruyff Turns Anonymous2022-05-22T18:17:35+01:002022-05-22T18:17:35+01:00Liverpool 3, Wolves 1 - Match Recap: Reds Cap Glorious Season with Win Against Wolves
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<img alt="Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9L0bmynuDjj8KU7elqwZrI2LosM=/0x0:4558x3039/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70898042/1398665713.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We react to Liverpool’s Premier League win against Wolves and give you a chance to vote for Man of the Match.</p> <h1 id="h.cy9vu8hi9cop">
<strong>Liverpool 3 - 1 Wolves</strong><strong> </strong>
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<p id="xXKjYF"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>: Sadio Mane 24’, Mohamed Salah 84’, Andy Robertson 89’</p>
<p id="IjTq4Y">Wolves: Pedro Neto 3’</p>
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<h3 id="68Zqhl"><strong>Pre-Match </strong></h3>
<p id="IzR44g">The final game of this wild and wonderful season, and a game that could be a title-decider, or a definite second-place award to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com">Liverpool FC</a>. Jurgen Klopp has put out the dynamic duo of Thiago and Naby Keita in midfield, which means that Jordan Henderson will play the holding midfielder role in Fabinho’s continued absence. </p>
<p id="8XksUj">Narrative aside, it would be nice to go out with an end-of-season win and bring the Reds’ stunning journey to an appropriately joyous end. If the Other Thing happens as well...well fuck me up. </p>
<h3 id="lhu15r"><strong>First Half</strong></h3>
<p id="uOgJ09">Liverpool stride onto a loud and raucous Anfield creating a great atmosphere of support. Two minutes in, a goal kick soars towards Alisson’s goal; Konate misjudges the angle and isn’t able to bring it down with his head. An unmarked Pedro Neto whizzes past Trent and knocks it in - GOAL to Wolves. </p>
<p id="X0whIU">Joel Matip whips in a header from a cross received from the right around 5’ but misses. Liverpool pick up steam and start to look more organized 10 minutes in, but Wolves pack bodies in the box to block the shots. Luis Diaz is a livewire in the box and has a few close chances. </p>
<p id="dYMqWj">At 24’, Thiago sends a backheel pass towards Sadio Mane who breaks free from the Wolves defensive line and slots it in - GOAL! Liverpool keep the pressure up and Thiago gets a few shots in, which go wide. Around 35’, an unexpected roar goes around Anfield as Matty Cash puts <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> one goal up in The Other Game. Around 48’ Thiago comes off with an unknown injury - hopefully it isn’t too serious.</p>
<h3 id="SjiIe8"><strong>Second Half</strong></h3>
<p id="GTLz2U">Early in the second half, a pass from Liverpool’s midfield is received by an alert and waiting Sadio Mane who scores, but it’s deemed offside. A minute later, he receives a pass from Trent and charges towards goal but is brought down in the box in a tangle of Wolves’ defenders. No penalty is given. </p>
<p id="vPecI2">At 57’, Mohamed Salah is subbed on for Diogo Jota. Liverpool patiently try to break down Wolves’ defense. At 63’, Trent whizzes a long shot from midfield but Jose Sa saves it. At 67’, Salah breaks away on the counter but lingers a touch too long, and is tackled. </p>
<p id="a0e8VP">A roar goes around Anfield as none other than Phil Coutinho scores Aston Villa’s second goal. Liverpool however look nervy and start to run out of ideas to break through Wolves’ crowded defense. At 83’ a corner kick by Trent is headed in by Matip but it’s blocked. Salah is in the box though and picks up the ball on the rebound and pushes it into the net - GOAL! At 88’, Andy Robertson plays a 1-2 with Bobby Firmino on a charging run and GOAL! The scoreline is 3-1 to Liverpool at the final whistle. And 3-2 to Manchester City. </p>
<h3 id="3BkSb0"><strong>Final Thoughts and Man of the Match</strong></h3>
<p id="eAtV5D">The Reds gave it their all, and a glorious season and title run come to an end with a win against Wolves, and second place for Liverpool in the league table. </p>
<p id="rhfR6E">This is probably the best Liverpool team to exist, Mohamed Salah wins the joint Golden Boot, there’s a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> final coming up - that’s a lot to be grateful for. Up the Reds!</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/22/23136671/liverpool-3-wolves-1-match-recap-reds-cap-glorious-season-with-win-against-wolvesAvantika Goswami2022-05-22T13:00:00+01:002022-05-22T13:00:00+01:00Liverpool vs. Wolves: How to Watch and Liveblog
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<img alt="Liverpool Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QVYlvsXuiPluHhMklt2Dc_2gZTY=/0x0:3627x2418/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70897367/1398326212.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Live coverage of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Wolves with team news, television and streaming options, and an updated liveblog throughout the match.</p> <h2 id="h.xqab99p4bm2r"><strong>LIVERPOOL VS. WOLVES</strong></h2>
<h5 id="nwnFTU">| Sunday, May 22 |<br>Premier League | Anfield<br>3:00PM GMT / 11:00AM EST</h5>
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<h2 id="JLJx5W"><strong>PREVIEW & HOW TO WATCH</strong></h2>
<p id="4D7hjx"><strong>Full Match Preview:</strong> <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/21/23133263/liverpool-vs-wolves-epl-2022-game-preview-team-news-injuries-predicted-lineups">Liverpool vs. Wolves</a> </p>
<p id="lbrR4X"><strong>Television:</strong> Sky Sports Main Event (UK); USA Network (USA); Optus Sport (Australia); <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fprf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1100l4uLf%2Fcreativeref%3A1011l39034%2Fadref%3ALO&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXA1GpbllI6ebg3zdww_P1MkZr2g">DAZN</a> (Canada); Star Sports Select (India); Astro SuperSport 3 (Malaysia); SuperSport MaXimo 1 (Nigeria); 102 mio Stadium (Singapore); SuperSport MaXimo 1 (South Africa); other listings at<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livesoccertv.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDsBNye7lSS1YKUruzH_77Ci3V6A"> LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
<p id="Xuu3zS"><strong>Streaming:</strong><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Flp%2Fsoccer%2F%3Firad%3D343747%26irmp%3D482924%26sharedid%3DTheLiverpoolOffside&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTBepV5o0rAm2ZCvlDqS2pc76fAw"> NBC via FuboTV</a> (USA) /<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fgo.web.plus.espn.com%2Fc%2F482924%2F651866%2F9070%3Fsharedid%3DTheLiverpoolOffside&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGDXzYDKPKpbyD3PzD26EvKlCUgsQ"> ESPN+</a> (USA) | Online Radio:<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGuwj23dDrwRR1FqF-FaJA0JInvBg"> LFCTV GO</a></p>
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<h2 id="KMv0M7"><strong>LIVERPOOL</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is how we line up for the final day of the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> season <br><br>Divock Origi misses out with a minor muscle issue.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVWOL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVWOL</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1528375134985273346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="Lk8u7v"><strong>WOLVES</strong></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">✌️ Two changes<br> Raul and Pedro leading the line<br><br>Our team for the final time this season <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/1Mf0V9fyv4">pic.twitter.com/1Mf0V9fyv4</a></p>— Wolves (@Wolves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wolves/status/1528375134041546756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="02L6Qq"><strong>THE LIVERPOOL OFFSIDE MATCHDAY LIVEBLOG</strong></h2>
<p id="0de7CH"><em>Liveblog will commence prior to kick-off.</em></p>
<div id="I95t3r"><div class="live-center-embed" data-src="https://livecenter.norkon.net/frame/theliverpooloffside/24451/default"><script type="text/javascript">(function(n){function c(t,i){n[e](h,function(n){var r,u;if(n&&(r=n[n.message?"message":"data"]+"",r&&r.substr&&r.substr(0,3)==="nc:")&&(u=r.split(":"),u[1]===i))switch(u[2]){case"h":t.style.height=u[3]+"px";return;case"scrolltotop":t.scrollIntoView();return}},!1)}for(var t,u,f,i,s,e=n.addEventListener?"addEventListener":"attachEvent",h=e==="attachEvent"?"onmessage":"message",o=n.document.querySelectorAll(".live-center-embed"),r=0;r<o.length;r++)(t=o[r],t.getAttribute("data-rendered"))||(u=t.getAttribute("data-src"),u&&(t.setAttribute("data-rendered","true"),f=n.ncVizCounter||1e3,n.ncVizCounter=f+1,i=f+"",s="nc-frame-c-"+i,t.innerHTML='<div style="position: relative; height: 300px; border: none;" id="'+s+'"><iframe src="'+u+"?"+i+'" style="position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; fullscreen"></iframe></div>',c(t.firstChild,i)))})(window);</script></div></div>
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<h2 id="IyZBS3"><strong>JOIN THE TLO COMMUNITY</strong></h2>
<p id="ULAv35">If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to sign up for an SB Nation account and<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2Faccount%2Fsetup%3Fcommunity_id%3D373&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE7cBLPRQkRWsQ4SPrE-2Un1a_7Vg"> join the community on The Liverpool Offside,</a> where we’ll bring you and your fellow Reds fans from around the world full coverage of every Liverpool match in the 2021-22 season in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups along with breaking news, insight and opinion, and tactical discussion.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/22/23136667/liverpool-vs-wolves-premier-league-2021-22-coverage-liveblog-and-how-to-watch-onlineAvantika GoswamiCruyff Turns Anonymous2022-05-22T11:00:00+01:002022-05-22T11:00:00+01:00Klopp Talk: “Its The Most Exciting Time Of My Career”
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<img alt="Chelsea v Liverpool: The Emirates FA Cup Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RxxF1TMvFHHyxFN4dWGtyXfLEnQ=/0x0:4050x2700/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70897212/1397327364.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool’s manager talks about taking the title race to the last day again and having two matches left to potentially win two more trophies.</p> <p id="IctfBe"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> are nearing the end of their attempt to win literally everything this season. They’ve bagged the League Cup and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> already, and they’ll try to win the Premier League today. They need dropped points from <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> to have a chance, but being in the title fight down to the last matchday once again makes for exciting times at <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com">Liverpool FC</a>.</p>
<p id="XTfZ4l">That excitement is not lost on manager Jürgen Klopp, who has no doubt he is going through the best stretch of his career in football with this Liverpool side.</p>
<p id="KQUUDi">“Definitely, definitely. Absolutely,” Klopp said in his pre-match press conference. “I was lucky enough to have a few exciting times. If you ask my Mrs, she will tell you: ‘Why always until the last matchday?’ Because that happens incredibly often.</p>
<p id="9kzPDi">“But, yes, it’s the most exciting, definitely, being where we are, seeing how good the boys are and seeing the steps we make and then two games to go - it’s only one now I know - but two games to go is unbelievable.”</p>
<p id="6BJTEo">With the Reds playing two games a week for the last couple of months, the homestretch of the season has flown by. Liverpool haven’t been perfect, but they’ve navigated a chaotic period and they’re now in a position where they have two matches to play with a trophy on the line in each one</p>
<p id="mk7fLM">“It feels like five minutes ago it was seven games, that’s how it is. It’s just like this; bam and here we go,” said Klopp. “Two finals, now really, two finals. We played finals since ages, but now really two finals. It’s massive, it’s absolutely massive and, yes, it’s the most exciting time of my career.”</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/22/23136471/jurgen-klopp-most-exciting-time-of-my-career-liverpool-trophies-quadrupleWaterWorldIsMyNightmare2022-05-21T17:30:00+01:002022-05-21T17:30:00+01:00Preview: Liverpool vs. Wolves
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M0aOb7efaV_4R8SQvV8fQ57zzl0=/0x0:4087x2725/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70895649/1358070285.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Premier League title race comes down to the final day as Liverpool take on Wolverhampton Wanderers.</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="17QsuB">
<h1 id="PwBMMu"><strong>LIVERPOOL VS. WOLVERHAMPTON </strong></h1>
<h5 id="h.lazk37c6ugo4">| Sunday, May 22nd|<br>Premier League | Anfield<br>4PM GMT/11AM EST</h5>
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<p id="UHFaQf">Manchester City is probably going to win their fourth Premier League title in the last five years tomorrow when they play Aston Villa. All they have to do is win, and they have shown that they’re very, very good at doing that. Right now, 538 puts the odds at about 82% in City’s favor. </p>
<p id="SSN5bT">But. There’s something in the air around Liverpool this season. Have you felt it? There’s this energy, this feeling that something truly magnificent might be about to happen on Sunday. </p>
<p id="3U4JcT">But first, Liverpool have to win their match against Wolves. They have to win or nothing that Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa or Pep Guardiola’s Man City do will make a difference. So it comes down to picking up all three points at home and hoping for a miracle. </p>
<p id="scaf63">Through this, Jürgen Klopp has a Champions League final match next week to consider and a few recovering superstars to manage. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Fabinho are all doubtful to play as they return from some minor injuries. If there is any chance that playing on Sunday will potentially keep them from playing against Real Madrid, Klopp will likely be unwilling to take that risk. </p>
<p id="iGbzh8">Liverpool are undefeated at Anfield in the league, though a draw will be useless to them on Sunday. They’ll need to find a way past Wolves’ tight defense to get the ball into the back of the net.</p>
<p id="5EZPAG">Wolves, who have had a good season overall, are in the midst of a poor run of form. They’ve failed to win any of their last six games, drawing two and losing four. Whatever happens on Sunday, they will remain in the top half of the table, but the final game of the season is always a crapshoot.</p>
<p id="9Pu3AI">They’ll love to be the ones to spoil the Kop’s fun.</p>
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<p id="h.8y1ddc6lu7ub">Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3)</p>
<p id="kM7nZM">Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Konaté, Robertson; Keïta, Henderson, Thiago; Mané, Jota, Díaz</p>
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<p id="kkUmCC">Best guess is that Klopp has faith that his team can pull off this game without Salah, van Dijk, or Fabinho. Meanwhile, injury sustained by Joe Gomez (this poor guy) is less severe than was feared when he went off. Other than that, the squad is ready, which gives Klopp plenty of options.</p>
<p id="gVgSgE">It’s possible that for his last game as a Red, Divock Origi will be given another start as a fitting way to end his storied time with the club.</p>
<p id="xvLWIr">Wolves will be without Max Kilman, Nelson Semedo, and Romain Saiss.</p>
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<p id="h.rk2313z4jjtm">What the Managers Had to Say</p>
<p id="oOkIiY"><strong>Jürgen Klopp</strong>: “We have our situation - ours is full throttle, give it a try, let’s see what’s the outcome. We didn’t win this game yet and in all of our talks it is like, ‘Then you win and we have to look there.’ No, we have to play 95 incredibly difficult minutes.”</p>
<p id="kWOGYE"><strong>Bruno Lage</strong>: “It will be exciting to be involved in this situation, and for us it’s a moment to play against a strong team, the manager is a big reference in the world, and we go there to give a different image than what we did in the last six games. We have a good record in away games, we had good performances against these kinds of teams, and we go there with an ambition to play the way we like to play in a big stadium.”</p>
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<p id="h.nz6w2xtc9f2q">The Officials</p>
<p id="2yWLa5"><strong>Referee:</strong> Anthony Taylor. <strong>Assistants: </strong>Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn. <strong>Fourth official: </strong>Tony Harrington. <strong>VAR: </strong>Stuart Attwell. <strong>Assistant VAR: </strong>Dan Cook.</p>
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<p id="VD6LA8">Kickoff is set for 4PM GMT/11AM EST tomorrow. In the meantime, The Liverpool Offside team will keep you updated with all of the team news and match buildup as it becomes available, along with providing a matchday liveblog and post-match recaps and reaction. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account and have your say on the action as it happens.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/21/23133263/liverpool-vs-wolves-epl-2022-game-preview-team-news-injuries-predicted-lineupsepicskyline2022-05-21T16:16:45+01:002022-05-21T16:16:45+01:00Klopp’s End-of-League Season Statement to Fans
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<img alt="Klopp celebrates with fist bumps to the Kop" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wj1Q6qsFB0Xyo1uO4jpEB7VZBuQ=/3x0:4397x2929/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70895529/1354643944.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Klopp celebrates with fist bumps to the Kop | Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In his program notes, Klopp had things to say to the Liverpool faithful</p> <p id="8zWc5S">In his final Premier League program notes, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> manager Jürgen Klopp <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Fjurgen-klopps-final-programme-notes-season&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2022%2F5%2F21%2F23135862%2Fklopps-end-of-league-season-statement-to-fans" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">spoke</a> about the challenge faced by Wolverhampton Wanderers — but he also had things to say about what what the team and support has already achieved this season:</p>
<p id="tRHkKr">“…Saying how proud I am of our team and our club is an understatement. </p>
<p id="zZHGSe">“I said on Tuesday night, shortly after the win at <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com">Southampton</a>, that I felt quite emotional. And I did. I was choked up, to be honest. </p>
<p id="TnrjV9">“This was mainly because it was a perfect case study of how together we are as a club. All of us. We all contribute. We all play our part. We are such a powerful collective. </p>
<p id="8vMgww">“The players who came in, who have been denied more minutes this season not because of lack of ability or effort but simply the restrictions of the teamsheet, showed the world what I see every day. They are warriors. They make us what we are.</p>
<p id="lmBDbO">“Likewise the supporters who came to St Mary’s. The away end. Wow. After all the travelling, spending, time off work… all the sacrifices to follow and support us… they were on their toes and our 12th man from beginning to end. They are not to compare.</p>
<p id="hDEhY9">“And this team is not to compare. I was asked after the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> final win where I thought this Liverpool team ranked among the greatest in history. I can’t remember what my answer was but given where my head was it probably wasn’t impressive. And I get this question a lot.</p>
<p id="7dWb6z">“So let me answer now: it’s unique and does not need to be pitted against any other.</p>
<p id="uWinM4">“Because this team, this set of players, are all about the present. We respect our past and we are excited for our future. But these special, special, special boys are about the here and now. They live for the moment. </p>
<p id="egT4Vk">“It’s why they’ve achieved such remarkable things this season already. It’s why when the whistle goes for kick-off everything that has gone before won’t matter and everything that could come after will be ignored. They will play the moment right in front of them. They will compete like crazy. It’s what they do. They’re my heroes, to be honest.</p>
<p id="JeXAT5">“I said earlier, when the work is done we should celebrate each other and show appreciation to each other regardless of what the ultimate outcome is. It’s so important. We are a community.</p>
<p id="f6nnvs">And it’s important I use this column, on behalf of all the staff and the players, to pay tribute to the even tighter group we have around us as individuals, and that’s our families. </p>
<p id="EXcJ0y">“Without the support of those who love and care for us at home we would be nothing. I know I would be lost for sure. Without Ulla and my two boys, I would be nowhere. They make it all make sense. And it’s the same for all of us so privileged to work here. Our families make sacrifices so we can shine. For us, days like today are about showing appreciation for them also. </p>
<p id="2QY0dN">“None of us can make promises this afternoon beyond the commitment we make every day that we represent Liverpool Football Club and that is to do our very best. We give all we have and see what happens.</p>
<p id="ppurOC">“But one thing is for sure: we won’t ever give up. We won’t give up in games. We won’t give up on competitions. We won’t give up today. We won’t give up next season either. Or the seasons after that. This club never gives up. We keep going. </p>
<p id="lzyyhO">“Sometimes we suffer together, sometimes we share joy together.</p>
<p id="aIiADI">“For us it’s always about the journey. It’s a shared journey. It cannot be taken away from us and presented to someone else and engraved with their name on it. This is ours and we should cherish it.</p>
<p id="sJXV7h">“From my heart, which is full of love and anticipation, I thank everyone who’s joined us on the journey so far this season. You’ve been great travelling companions. And we haven’t finished yet.”</p>
<p id="rlvMxs">It’s everything you want to hear. </p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/21/23135862/klopps-end-of-league-season-statement-to-fansMari Murphy2022-05-21T15:30:00+01:002022-05-21T15:30:00+01:00Trent Alexander Arnold Wants to Beat Mohamed Salah On Sunday
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<img alt="Chelsea v Liverpool: The Emirates FA Cup Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZQiD5cJAwFk-U0fwwDO61SrGSoA=/0x0:4177x2785/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70895405/1240672959.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There’s more than one title that has come down to the last day.</p> <p id="5Vgl8t">Sunday’s final match of the season sees <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield. The match is a must win for the team, but even then, a Premier League title is out of their hands and dependent on the unlikely event that <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> loses points in the own game.</p>
<p id="J43T8B">But that’s not the only title that has come down to the last game. The race for individual league honors is still hot, and there are two people who will benefit from Mohamed Salah likely sitting out this game. </p>
<p id="KBSvse">Son Heung-Min is one goal behind Salah for the Golden Boot. Salah has 22 goals while Son has 21 going into tomorrow’s games.</p>
<p id="58pCli">Additionally, he’s also leading the league in assists, with 13 to his name. Right behind him, and having played three less matches, is his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. He’ll be less pleased to have their top goalscorer on the sidelines, but he admitted rather cheekily that he’ll be looking to grab another assist or two against Wolves to take the crown.</p>
<p id="zSvgBm">“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t!” <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Falexander-arnold-final-day-feelings-salah-wish-and-origi-legacy&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-news-coverage%2F2022%2F5%2F21%2F23135782%2Ftrent-alexander-arnold-wants-to-beat-mohamed-salah-premier-league-assists-wolves-final-match" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alexander-Arnold answered</a> when asked about the assist battle. “Yeah, it is. I don’t know how he feels about it but I’d like to maybe just get one and we’d be able to share the trophy. It would be a good moment for us. We’ve worked hard together. Our relationship has really grown this season, the understanding we’ve had on the pitch and off the pitch, we’ve become a lot closer. Hopefully he wins his Golden Boot, and then I think it’s kind of now just between me and him for the top assists. We’ll see what happens.”</p>
<p id="EoBhH4">Don’t count out teammate Andy Robertson, who is sitting joint third place with 10 assists at the moment. Could he grab a hat trick of assists on Sunday? Sure, why not? Either way, it says something about Liverpool’s effective teamwork that three of their players are leading the league in assists. </p>
<p id="jFZ1nR">It will be fascinating to see how everything plays out tomorrow. In addition to the league title race, Spurs and Arsenal will be fighting to make it into the top four. Down at the bottom, Burnley and <a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com">Leeds United</a> will be battling for survival and to avoid the relegation zone. Overall, plenty of storylines to keep everyone interested when the games kick off.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2022/5/21/23135782/trent-alexander-arnold-wants-to-beat-mohamed-salah-premier-league-assists-wolves-final-matchepicskyline2022-05-21T04:30:00+01:002022-05-21T04:30:00+01:00Pep Guardiola Tries to Explain “Everyone Supports Liverpool” Statement
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<img alt="A close-up image of Pep Guardiola, wearing a green sweater over a white t-shirt, looking pensive in his pre-Aston Villa press conference." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9dViDCd2aXTnMdkWcG2Ugp3p0RY=/0x0:4970x3313/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70894562/1398302580.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pep looks pensive at his pre-Aston Villa press conference. | Photo by Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>By seeking to clarify, the Manchester City manager may have only raised new questions.</p> <p id="hZLrXh">Earlier this month, <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> manager Pep Guardiola made headlines when he appeared to argue that “everyone” in England who wasn’t a City fan was backing <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> to win the Premier League title.</p>
<p id="Riw2vZ">Now, ahead of the final game of the 2021-22 season in his press conference ahead of City’s clash with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a>, Guardiola sought to clarify his comments, suggesting that he may have been misunderstood—or that he may have made his points imprecisely—as he was not speaking in his first language.</p>
<p id="1EGAb4">“I’m sure my English isn’t good after four, five years,” he noted. “I said in the time you arrive for the titles, the teams with more history have more supporters.</p>
<p id="iv5az8">“It happens in Spain, Germany, Italy. We are outsiders in the last decade. Liverpool fans want to win, and I’m not saying all the country are Liverpool fans, but in general they are a team with more titles.</p>
<aside id="Sss13P"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"On the Continued Weariness of Tribal Football Discourse","url":"https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/9/23063596/on-the-continued-weariness-of-tribal-football-discourse-liverpool-manchester-city"}]}'></div></aside><p id="VdA4wc">“In countries all around the world there are teams people support more than the other ones. Liverpool, United, Arsenal have a lot of history, we are new. It’s why we feel it’s a privilege and won’t waste this opportunity to enjoy the 95 minutes.”</p>
<p id="Gp3FCw">The important takeaways in this revision, therefore, are that Guardiola seems to be saying that Liverpool have <em>more fans</em><strong> </strong>because they have won more titles, while Manchester City are “new,” with new presumably speaking to them being new only to challenging for titles after the influx of money that preceded his move to join the club.</p>
<p id="jj8yjd">Following his logic, then, City are still just in the process of building their global fanbase, something that comes from having only becoming competitive recently and winning titles over a much shorter period in comparison to the Reds.</p>
<p id="0oq9Mk">While on the surface it’s perhaps not an unfair proposal, one wonders then why in his initial statement he noted that while Liverpool had been strong in Europe—winning six European Cups since their first in 1976/77—the Reds have not been especially strong domestically in the Premier League era, noting “in the Premier League they’ve won one in 30 years.” </p>
<p id="6iWdTX">While this is a factual statement, it feels a little now as though Guardiola wants to have it both ways, complaining that City lack a strong fanbase as they haven’t won as much as Liverpool while also talking up the fact that at least in England, City have collected more silverware than the Reds in the Premier League era.</p>
<p id="VpbJM8">That same distinction also isn’t made to separate the European Cup and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, a competition that was also rebranded in 1992. After all, by that same metric it would have to be said that Liverpool have only won the two Champions Leagues in 30 years. Perhaps he will have to further explain the differing standard at some point.</p>
<p id="yacy2d">Regardless, as requested we can only do our best to give Pep Guardiola the benefit of the doubt and get behind his assertion that Liverpool have more fans due to dominance in multiple competitions over a long history when compared to “new” Manchester City.</p>
<p id="Ljxu0K">He certainly knows what he’s talking about: when he mentions the other countries that have the same fanbase patterns, he speaks from direct experience as former manager of massive Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Presumably he can draw on those experiences when discussing what it’s like to manage a “new” or “outsider” club like Manchester City.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2022/5/21/23132347/man-city-manager-guardiola-corrects-previous-liverpool-statement-premier-league-title-race-2022Mari Murphy