Match Coverage

Why Virgil van Dijk was ‘furious’ with Rio Ngumoha after Wolves’ winning goal vs Liverpool

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Leon Osman spotted Virgil van Dijk left ‘so furious’ with Rio Ngumoha in the lead up to Wolves’ winning goal against Liverpool.

Ngumoha earned much praise for his appearance off the bench on Tuesday, including Steven Gerrard calling for him to start the FA Cup meeting against the Midlands outfit on Friday.

Who you dropping for Ngumoha against Wolves in the FA Cup then?

Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield
Credit: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images

Jermaine Pennant shared a similarly positive verdict on the youngster while questioning Cody Gakpo’s displays.

Virgil van Dijk angry at Rio Ngumoha’s lack of pressing for Wolves winner

However, it was not all completely positive for the 17-year-old against Wolves, as Virgil van Dijk seemed to put some of the blame on the youngster for the home side’s second goal of the day.

Speaking live to Premier League Productions during the coverage of Tuesday’s game, Leon Osman spotted the Dutchman looking visibly angry with the Academy product for not pressing enough.

He said: “You see Virgil van Dijk’s reaction here. He’s so furious with Ngumoha.

“I think, the effort or not being able to get a bit closer and put Andre under a bit more pressure when he when they eventually initially lifted it and took the ball.”

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Mohamed Salah during Wolves vs Liverpool
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk explains why Liverpool conceded two goals vs Wolves

Wolves only had three shots on target all game, but still managed to concede two, and Van Dijk was not happy post-match.

As per LFC, he said: “I think it’s down to ourselves. We were slow, we were predictable and sloppy in possession and wrong with decision-making.

“Obviously, we didn’t concede chances, but if you perform like that then a result like this could be the result of that. That’s the fact and that’s disappointing from tonight.

“Conceding goals is always frustrating. Obviously, we’ve come on the back of a couple of clean sheets [before West Ham].”

After conceding two to Wolves, Liverpool have now shipped 39 in 29 league matches this season.

That is the most of any top six side, with Manchester United (38 in 28), having the second-worst defensive record of the Champions League-chasing teams.