Liverpool vs Wolves LIVE: Result as Premier League leaders survive shaky second half to open gap
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves: Goals from Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz put the Reds in charge but Matheus Cunha gave the visitors hope
Liverpool survived a shaky second half against Wolves to return to winning ways in the Premier League and restore their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a scrappy finish, before he was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Jose Sa to allow Mohamed Salah to double their lead from the penalty spot.
Arne Slot’s side - who conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday - were far from convincing and a stunning finish from the excellent Matheus Cunha gave the struggling visitors late hope at Anfield.
But Liverpool held on to seal a first victory in three games, following their FA Cup exit to Plymouth last weekend, and the Reds will have the chance to move 10 points clear when they visit Aston Villa in midweek.
Follow all the reaction from Anfield after Liverpool defeated Wolves 2-1 to continue their title charge
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
88 mins: Wolves aren’t giving this up without a fight and the hosts are resorting to booting the ball long to clear the danger.
There’s plenty of time for Wolves to equalise yet. Endo is fouled by Bellegarde who is annoyed that he didn’t win a free kick first.
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
85 mins: Wolves had built up a bit of momentum that Liverpool halted effectively.
The visitors need to get forward again but there are plenty of men behind the ball for the hosts.
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
82 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes now and Nelson Semedo gives up a free kick for clinging onto Mo Salah and stopping his run.
Liverpool take the free kick and knock it backwards. They’re happy playing the possession game at present.
'It feels a big last 10 minutes for Liverpool'
“It feels a big last 10 minutes for Liverpool.
“They have already drawn 2-2 once this week, already conceded one late equaliser this week.
“There is a seven-point lead waiting for them in the table if they can see this one through.
“Wolves, however, are playing with the belief of a team who think they can get a point.”
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
79 mins: Liverpool have taken the sting out of the game with controlled possession and slow build-up play.
Wolves aren’t panicking yet. They know they just need time on the ball and they’ll be able to threaten Alisson’s goal again.
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
76 mins: Andy Robertson, and Liverpool, looked annoyed at how this match is going.
Plenty of mistakes are appearing in Liverpool’s play and they can’t get themselves up the pitch.
It’s a struggle for the Premier League leaders at present.
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
73 mins: Wolves are the team playing with confidence now as Liverpool’s facade of control is broken.
Virgil van Dijk gives away a free kick and collects a yellow card.
The set piece is flicked into the box then nodded out to Munetsi.
He looks for the volley but sends the effort high and wide.
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
70 mins: 20 minutes to play at Anfield and suddenly there’s a tense feel to the game for the home fans.
They’ll all remember the late equaliser from James Tarkowski at Goodison Park and won’t be keen for a repeat.
Wataru Endo comes on to replace Luis Diaz.
'Wolves have deserved their goal'
“Wolves have deserved their goal.
“Cunha's talent has been apparent throughout today and Pereira's half-time double change, bringing on Bellegarde and Munetsi, has added to their threat.
“There is some intrigue in the sight of Munetsi running around in attack: the Zimbabwean was described as a midfielder - including by Wolves themselves - when he joined but they are without a fit centre-forward and, but for a fine save by Alisson, he would have scored within five minutes of his Premier League debut.”
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