Arne Slot’s turbulent week ended with a much-needed victory as Liverpool restored their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League. However, their 2-1 win over Wolves was anything but comfortable, with a late Matheus Cunha strike ensuring a nervy finale at Anfield.
Strong Start but Growing Nerves
Liverpool appeared in control after Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah—netting his 28th goal of the season—gave them a two-goal cushion at halftime. Yet, Wolves’ spirited second-half display tested the Reds, exposing cracks in their defense and unsettling both the players and the home crowd.
Wolves, frustrated by officiating decisions, saw Matt Doherty and Vitor Pereira booked early for dissent. Their grievances were understandable, though their defensive lapses contributed to their halftime deficit.
Liverpool’s Early Breakthrough
The game began with Liverpool winning a corner straight from kickoff, but it was Wolves who looked compact and composed initially. That defensive organization was undone by a ruthless Liverpool counterattack.
After Wolves ventured forward for the first time, Diogo Jota spun away from Andre and Doherty before releasing Díaz down the left. His cross found Salah, whose first-time return ricocheted off Toti and landed inside the six-yard box. Díaz, continuing his run, reacted quicker than José Sá and bundled the ball over the line with his chest.
A similar move almost led to another goal, but Wolves defenders Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti bravely blocked Jota’s attempt. Sá then denied Jota at the near post after a slick move involving Dominik Szoboszlai, Díaz, and Andy Robertson. Liverpool’s relentless attacks down the left soon yielded a penalty.
A hopeful Alexis Mac Allister pass turned dangerous when Agbadou misjudged his clearance. Díaz, applying slight contact on Agbadou, latched onto the loose ball before being clipped by Sá, who had overcommitted. Though Díaz’s touch was heavy and heading out of play, VAR upheld the penalty decision. Salah coolly converted, chipping his 50th Liverpool spot-kick straight down the middle for his 42nd successful penalty conversion.
Wolves Fight Back
Despite being behind, Wolves impressed in spells, with Cunha and Pablo Sarabia orchestrating positive moves. Their main issue was a lack of presence in the box—until Pereira’s halftime substitutions changed the dynamic. The introduction of Marshall Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde immediately put Liverpool under pressure, and Anfield’s atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Munetsi nearly made an instant impact five minutes into his Premier League debut. A clever Bellegarde flick sent him one-on-one with Alisson, but the Liverpool goalkeeper rushed out to make a crucial block.
Salah thought he had added a third with a well-taken goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Liverpool were then awarded another penalty when Jota went down under a challenge from Agbadou, but VAR intervened, revealing no contact had been made. The initial decision was overturned, though Jota avoided a booking for simulation.
Cunha’s Stunner Sparks Late Drama
With Liverpool unable to kill off the game, Wolves found their breakthrough. Bellegarde was once again involved, flicking the ball into Cunha’s path. The Brazilian turned away from Ryan Gravenberch and unleashed a stunning 22-yard strike into the top corner, beating Alisson emphatically.
Anfield grew increasingly anxious as Wolves pushed for an equalizer. Substitute Tommy Doyle delivered a dangerous low cross toward Munetsi, but Jarell Quansah intervened with a vital last-ditch tackle to prevent disaster for Liverpool.
A Win, But Worries Remain
Liverpool ultimately held on, but Slot’s side looked far from convincing. The victory maintains their position at the top, but with key defensive vulnerabilities exposed, a crucial week lies ahead.
