Liverpool went top of the Premier League table after securing a 2-1 win over a hungry Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are still looking for their first win of the campaign.
It was a mixed night for the Reds, who scored twice despite struggling to enter the game on points. A penalty from Mohamed Salah saw them take all three points from the clash, climbing to the top of the league as Wolves sink to the bottom.
How the game developed
It was a slow start for both teams at Molineux as Liverpool’s relentless pressure failed to get anything through Wolves’ backline. It was the hosts who looked more likely to steal an early effort, firing bright chances towards Alisson on his return to action.
Sam Johnstone made light work of any attempt Liverpoolmaking a remarkable save to prevent Dominik Szoboszlai from scoring the first goal of the game.
The Reds finally took a big lead just before the break when Ibrahima Konate reacted to a Diogo Jota cross to nod the ball into the back of the net. Johnstone did his best to get there but just couldn’t block the visitors making it 1-0.
Mohamed Salah came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead when play resumed. He launched a strong shot into the area after a clumsy pass from Mario Lemina, which missed the post and failed to reinforce his team’s disadvantage.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Jorgen Strand Larsen chased down Konate which allowed the Wolves forward to steal possession in the box. Strand Larsen ran the ball towards goal before Rayan Ait-Nouri was able to tap it home.
Wolves’ celebrations were short-lived, but Liverpool were awarded a penalty minutes after a tussle between Jota and Nelson Semedo. Salah, keen to improve on his previous miss, stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with ease.
The game seemed to slow down once the Reds regained their lead, with neither team finding a chance to add to the score. The full-time whistle saw the visitors climb to the top of the table, while Wolves were forced to sink to the bottom.
GK: Sam Johnstone – 6/10 – Johnstone made some very good saves to prevent Liverpool from attacking early on. Struggled with the Reds’ first goal and had no chance of stopping Salah.
RB: Nelson Semedo – 4/10 – It could have been an excellent defensive performance from Semedo, who silenced Andy Robertson on numerous occasions. But, his altercation with Jota gave Liverpool a chance in front of goal, which they made sure to take.
CB: Santiago Bueno – 6/10 – He dealt well with Alexander-Arnold’s early efforts and eventually provided a strong outlet for the Wolves defence.
CB: Toti Gomes – 5/10 – He was occasionally out of position, most notably in the middle of Konate’s first goal. He struggled to bond with his peers.
LB: Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7/10 – An impressive performance from the 23-year-old who made sure to block Liverpool’s early chances. He did well to head an early Reds corner and deserved his subsequent goal.
CM: Mario Lemina – 4/10 – He had a good start to the game but ruined his efforts after dropping the ball to Mohamed Salah, who missed the chance to make it 2-0 after the break..
CM: Andre – 6/10 – Worked hard in Wolves’ midfield despite receiving an early booking.
RW: Matheus Cunha – 6/10 – Cunha did well up and down the pitch, often providing dangerous runs for Wolves. He looked like he had a goal, but couldn’t capitalize.
AM: Joao Gomes – 5/10 – Underwhelming display from Gomes who looked nervous when presented with chances.
RW: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 5/10 – Mixed bag from Bellagarde against Liverpool. Forced to play out of position, which seemed to affect his confidence and ability.
ST: Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7/10 – Strand Larsen did so well to steal possession from Konate in the build-up to Wolves’ equaliser. Safe exit from the front.
Substitutes
SUB: Carlos Forbes (52′ for Bellegarde) – 6/10
SUB: Hee-Chan Hwang (68′ for Strand Larsen) – 6/10
SUB: Thomas Doyle (77′ for Bueno) – N/A
Subs not used: Jose Sa (GK), Alfie Pond, Matt Doherty, Rodrigo Gomes, Goncalo Guedes, Pablo Sarabia
manager
Gary O’Neil – 4/10 – Another poor performance from O’Neil, who is yet to see his side pick up a league win.
GK: Alisson Becker – 5/10 – He didn’t have much to do in his return to action after the injury. Bad position from the striker for Wolves to equalise.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10 – Alexander-Arnold had numerous chances, but was unable to get his name on the scoreboard. His defensive performance, however, was commendable.
CB: Ibrahima Konata – 6/10 – He scored Liverpool’s first goal but had his efforts canceled out after allowing Wolves to equalize in the second half.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 7/10 – Dominating performance from Van Dijk, who led Liverpool’s backline. Very few mistakes from the defender, a reliable member of the squad.
LB: Andy Robertson – 6/10 – A bad foul saw Robertson sent off in the second half. Before that, it was a good performance from the left back.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10 – Gravenberch looked immense against Wolves. His movement, consistency and creativity have come to life under Arne Slot.
DM: Alexis MacAllister – 7/10 – Worked hard to break up play when he could and improved a lot in the second half. Alongside Gravenberch, Mac Allister was excellent in midfield.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 6/10 – He missed a chance in front of goal after stealing possession from Wolves, but made up for it when he fired a clear penalty.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – 5/10 – Uninspiring from the Hungarian who struggled to get into the game and didn’t make too much noise in front of goal.
LM: Luis Diaz – 5/10 – Made some good passes but otherwise failed to impress against Wolves.
ST: Diogo Jota – 6/10 – Good afternoon for Jota, who did well to win his team a penalty, which he converted with ease.
Substitutes
SUB: Cody Steel (73′ for Diaz) – 6/10
SUB: Curtis Jones (73′ for Szoboszlai) – 5/10
SUB: Joe Gomez (89′ for Robertson) – N/A
Subs not used: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Constantine Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa
manager
Arne Slot – 6/10 – Composed on the touchline but hasn’t had much to do in terms of substitutions.
