0
0
Liverpool’s week of turmoil after Everton’s draw has ended on a high note as they restored their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolves on Sunday afternoon. A win that wouldn’t come without a nervy finale that exposed the Reds’ vulnerability at the back.
The hosts took control of the match in the first half, courtesy of Luis Díaz’s opener and Mohamed Salah’s 28th goal of the season. Díaz’s goal — a masterclass in counterattacking football, as he capitalized on a Wolves mistake to bundle the ball past José Sá. The Colombian’s clever movement and anticipation allowed him to react quickest to the loose ball, and his finish was typical of a player who has been in fine form all season.
Salah’s penalty, his 42nd successful conversion from the spot, seemed to have put the game beyond Wolves’ reach. The Egyptian’s composure from 12 yards was cool as it’s always been, as he floated the ball down the center of Sá’s goal. However, the visitors refused to give up, and their bravery was rewarded when Matheus Cunha scored a stunning consolation goal.
The introduction of Marshall Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde at halftime transformed Wolves’ attack, and they caused Liverpool’s defense all sorts of problems. Munetsi could have scored within minutes of his Premier League debut, but Alisson’s bravery denied him. The Brazilian goalkeeper’s decision to rush off his line and block Munetsi’s shot with his face was crucial, as it prevented Wolves from gaining the necessary momentum.
As the match wore on, Liverpool’s nerves were all blown out. Salah had a goal disallowed for offside, and the hosts were then denied a second penalty when Diogo Jota was adjudged to have dived. The Portuguese winger’s tumble in the box was unconvincing, and the referee’s decision to overturn his initial penalty award was thumbed correct by the VAR.
Cunha’s goal sparked a frantic finale, with Wolves pushing hard for an equalizer. But, Liverpool’s defense were up to the task as they held firm, and breathed a collective sigh of relief when the final whistle sounded.
Despite the win, concerns linger about Liverpool’s squad depth. With big weeks ahead to further test their title credentials.
Wolves, with this defeat are now 17th on 19 points, two above the drop zone. Meanwhile, they can take solace from their bravery and energetic display. Despite the defeat, they proved that they can cause problems for even the best teams in the league.
