Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson feels Diogo Jota ‘should do better’ after missing a ‘tough’ chance to score an early effort as Liverpool travelled to Wolves this Saturday.
The Anfield club travelled to Molineux to resume their Premier League season following the international break. But Liverpool found themselves a goal behind to the Old Gold after only seven minutes. Hwang Hee-Chan fired beyond Alisson after a charging run from Pedro Neto.
But Jota would get a chance to drag Liverpool level in the 14th minute at Wolves. Mohamed Salah carved out a cross from the right-hand channel to find the 26-year-old, who started as Jurgen Klopp’s centre-forward. Yet the Portuguese guided his shot high into the grandstand.
Dawson slams Jota for the Liverpool star’s early miss at Wolves
Jota had arrived at Molineux having scored once in Liverpool’s four Premier League matches before the international break. He found the back of the net against AFC Bournemouth with the Reds’ third effort. Luis Diaz and Salah had already scored to deliver the Reds a 2-1 lead.
Klopp had similarly started Jota as a centre-forward against the Cherries, like he did on the opening day at Chelsea. But Dawson believes Jota should have at least forced Jose Sa into a save with his early opening to draw Liverpool level on their travels to Wolves this Saturday.
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Dawson said on Sky Sports News (16/09, 12:52): “Liverpool have had one chance from Jota and he probably should do better.
“[It was a] great bit of play down the right-hand side from Mo Salah. [He] whips it in and it’s on the half-volley. It’s a tough chance for Jota but he’ll be disappointed he didn’t hit the target.”
Jota arrived at Molineux after an excellent display for Portugal
Jota regained a starting role as Liverpool visited Wolves after falling to the bench before the international break. Klopp only introduced their attacker as a 65th-minute substitute in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa. The forward took over Diaz’s position on the left against the Villans.
Yet with Diaz only returning from international duty with Colombia on Friday morning, Klopp favoured Jota as Liverpool faced Wolves. His recall also followed the 33-cap star scoring two goals and assisting another as Portugal thrashed Luxembourg 9-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier.