COSTA LOT BIG STAGE...

home. If the first-half had showcased Wolves’ incision, the second was a demonstration of their grit and organisation. Even buoyed by the appearance of Sturridge and Coutinho, it took the Reds an hour to test rookie keeper Harry Burgoyne and, for all the home side’s huff and puff, Origi’s scruffy late finish was the only time Wolves didn’t manage a vital block or interception. To a man, they out-grafted their opponents. Lambert – who is unbeaten at Anfield as a player or manager – hailed this his finest moment at the famous stadium.

For Jurgen Klopp, whose side exited their second cup in four days, the opposite may be true.

“Is this the lowest point in my time at Liverpool?” said the German. “I don’t know. If it is, then it is the perfect time to turn it around.

“We could have played better. Each player could have played better. But I saw them training and I am responsible for the line up. I am the one to blame.”