Liverpool star hooked at halftime as Arne Slot pre-empts problem against Wolves
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesRyan GravenberchLiverpool coach Arne Slot took off fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch at halftime for Curtis Jones during a 2-1 loss to Wolves on Tuesday ahead of a frantic second halfArne Slot made a halftime swap in Wolves-Liverpool on Tuesday(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool fell 2-1 to Wolves on Tuesday night, a further dent in the club's push to finish in a Champions League place. Coach Arne Slot brought on midfielder Curtis Jones to partner Alexis Mac Allister at the base of his 4-2-3-1 formation, though he couldn't help but prevent a ferocious second-half Wolves counter-attack.The Dutch international isn't in jeopardy of earning a suspension: he would need to pick up five more by the 33rd Premier League game of the season to earn a two-match ban.
The move was likely to avoid a second yellow card in a game that was quickly getting chippy.READ MORE: Liverpool and Wolves players clash in ugly scenes over Huge Ekitike incidentREAD MORE: 'Boring' Liverpool struggles at Wolves as Arne Slot ignores his own messageLiverpool held 64% of the ball in the first half but attempted only six shots, registering a paltry 0.21 xG. He completed 26 of his 29 passes and lost all six of his ground duels.For Gravenberch, it's the first time he's been hooked at halftime since the Dutch national pulled him at the break during a ho-hum 4-0 win against Finland in October.Ryan Gravenberch reacts to his first half yellow card against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)For the Reds, he was last pulled prior to the 65th minute in a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in October.
On the season, he's started 27 league games for Liverpool, scoring four times while assisting three others.Jones nearly scored, hitting the crossbar on a whipped-in cross midway through the second half. However, he was slightly at fault for Wolves' winner.Arne Slot's body language was poor after Liverpool's defeat(Image: Getty Images)He played a back pass while under pressure to Hugo Bueno to Alisson.