The Liverpool goalkeeper was jeered incessantly throughout, which was at least a way for the home supporters to entertain themselves during an incident-free opening 45 minutes in which Wolves were as obdurate and robust as at Anfield.

Liverpool needed Ward’s red card to finally impose themselves on that occasion, but there would be no such help here.

The first half made for pretty grim viewing.

It wasn’t until the 33rd minute that either side fashioned what could be construed as a goal-scoring chance when, after a Liverpool free-kick near the Wolves area was charged down, the home side broke down the left flank where Matt Jarvis crossed to the near post for Doyle to prod wide.

The pace of Jarvis on the counter-attack caused Jamie Carragher moments of consternation, and from one such foray the winger turned on to his right foot and delivered a deep centre that Kevin Foley nodded straight at Reina.

The nearest Liverpool came was in first-half stoppage time when Riera’s corner was headed behind at the far post by Jody Craddock with Martin Skrtel waiting to pounce.

An improvement, and a vast one at that, was required from Liverpool, and they at least began the second half with greater conviction.

Riera fired a looping effort goalwards that sent Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann scurrying back to save, while only two last-ditch tackles prevented Gerrard from finding space inside the home penalty area.

At the other end, Kevin Doyle lashed a shot over from the edge of the area before Reina bravely saved at the feet of Foley; that the goalkeeper injured his nether regions in the process brought the biggest cheer of the night.

With the game finally threatening to come to life, Kuyt struck an effort just wide after being found by Riera, but it was Wolves who looked the more likely to score as, encouraged by Liverpool’s lacklustre display, they began to press more men forward.

The introduction of David Ngog midway through the second half belatedly helped the visitors stretch the play more and they ended the game the stronger.

But the result seemed inevitable long before the final whistle put everyone out of their misery.