Sweeter than Mr Kipling’s cook book – Paul Gorst lauds sublime Liverpool moment in FA Cup clash

Molineux, Friday night – Andy Robertson chose the grandest of stages to remind the football world that class is permanent. Six minutes after the restart in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie at Wolves, the 31-year-old Scot raced on to Curtis Jones’s slide-rule pass, took a single touch and lashed an unstoppable 20-yard drive beyond Sam Johnstone. The strike, Liverpool’s first of the contest, ignited a previously tepid affair and drew lavish praise from Liverpool Echo reporter Paul Gorst, who labelled it “a strike sweeter than Mr Kipling’s cook book” in his running commentary.

The goal crowned a sweeping counter that began deep inside Liverpool territory. Mohamed Salah, instrumental in the transition, fed Jones, who instantly released Robertson into space on the left. One swing of the left boot later, the ball was rippling the net and Robertson was wheeling away in celebration.

Barely 100 seconds later the Scot turned provider, sprinting to the by-line and whipping over a first-time cross that Salah converted from close range. An offside flag threatened to curtail the festivities, but VAR intervened correctly, allowing the Egyptian’s effort to stand and transforming a cagey 0-0 into a commanding 2-0 advantage inside two breathtaking minutes.

The quick-fire brace doubled Robertson’s combined goals and assists for the campaign and offered a glimpse of the buccaneering form that has made him a fan favourite since arriving from Hull City. With contract talks yet to reach a conclusion and Milos Kerkez having usurped him for much of the season, the performance felt like a personal statement of intent.

Whether the evening proves a farewell flourish or the catalyst for an extended stay on Merseyside remains to be seen, but on this evidence Robertson still possesses the quality and hunger to influence matches at the highest level.

SEO keywords: