Liverpool have edged out Wolves to go top of the Premier League table, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty-goal.
The Reds needed victory to climb to the top spot on the table after Manchester City stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in the early kickoff.
Wolves Vs Liverpool records
Wolves went into the game against their most deadly opponents, having recorded the most number of defeats (16) in the hands of Liverpool than any other Premier League rival.
Most worryingly, their last 14 Premier League matches against the Reds had ended in a defeat. And Liverpool have the most number of clean sheets against the Molineux-based outfit than any other Premier League side.
Also, the two sides met at the back of contrasting fortunes in the England top flight this season. Liverpool recorded four wins and one defeat in all their five matches while Wolves mustered only one point from their five fixtures, losing four.
Wolves Vs Liverpool major match highlights
Wolves latched on the first clear-cut chance in the game after Ait-Nouri had teed up Bellegarde. The latter attempted a fine strike on goal but the attempt was not potent enough to beat Alisson Becker.
Again, Bellegarde forced Alexander-Arnold to pick up a yellow card after the latter fouled him and kicked the ball away.
It was a largely open game going forward. While Liverpool had more of the ball, Wolves were threateningly dangerous when charging forward.
Liverpool’s first big chance came in the 11th minute after Mohamed Salah nearly set up Diogo Jota with a curled pass into the box. The latter could not close in to poke it home with Wolves goalkeeper gathering it comfortably. Liverpool continued to stay atop proceedings but could not find a breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Wolves nearly pulled an upset with a quick succession of two great chances in the 21st and 22nd minutes. Semedo had found Cunha at the byline who then attempted a curled strike on goal but his effort was tipped away by Alisson Becker.
Liverpool finally nets first-half winner
Towards the end of the first half, Liverpool’s incessant pressure finally yielded results. With the extra time of the first half left, Liverpool forced more players up front to overwhelm Wolves’ defence.
The late push worked out. Diogo Jota’s cross was not dealt with by Wolves players, leaving French defender Ibrahim Konate to tower above others and head home the first-half winner. The goal saw Liverpool raced into a deserved lead before the end of the first half.
Wolves stage a quick response in the second half
It took Wolves 11 minutes into the second half to fight back. Liverpool were still on the ascendancy at the start of the second 45 when the hosts roared back into the game out of nowhere.
Konate’s mistake led to the equalizer. The defender was dispossessed inside his half by Larsen. A scramble ensued in the box before Ait-Nouri rushed and poked it home to level the score.
Five minutes after the goal, Wolves shot themselves in the foot after Semedo clipped Alexander-Arnold in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Salah converted it with ease to fire Liverpool again into the lead.
Liverpool continued to threaten with quick offensives despite taking the lead. Wolves also came across a series of chances from counterattacks but it was a barren run after Salah’s penalty goal.
Liverpool substitutions
With the score standing at 2-1, Arne Slot made a string of substitutions to cement Liverpool’s dominance and secure the lead. Luis Diaz was axed for Cody Gakpo while Curtis Jones came in for Dominik Szoboszlai.
After the substitutions, Liverpool came close to extending the lead in the 77th minute with Salah latching on a rebound from Jones and proceeding on a counter. Wolves’ defense was widely opened during this counter but Salah’s attempt to thread the ball back to Jones was thwarted.
The game finally ended with Liverpool holding on to secure a deserved victory over the hosts as at the Molineux Stadium.
Liverpool goes top of Premier League table after narrow win
With the win, Liverpool have leapfrogged Arsenal and Manchester City into the top of the Premier League table. The Reds now have 15 points from six games – a point clear of both Manchester City and Arsenal in second and third place, respectively.
They will host Bologna in midweek Champions League matchday two clash on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, before travelling to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, Wolves have now recorded their fifth Premier League defeat this season and sit bottom of the table with a point.
They will hope to secure their first win when taking on Brentford in their next Premier League match on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
