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
'Konate's caution felt needless'
“After Arne Slot's disciplinary troubles this week, Anfield enjoyed the sight of a manager getting booked for dissent, largely because the manager in question was Vitor Pereira.
“But Ibrahima Konate's caution for kicking the ball away felt needless and puts him on a tightrope.
“Another yellow card and he would be banned for Wednesday's trip to Aston Villa.”
Liverpool 1-0 Wolves
31 mins: Save!
A cross field pass sends the ball over to Luis Diaz who lays it off to Robertson on the overlap.
His cross into the box is good and the initial touch is won by Jose Sa.
Diogo Jota reacts first, wins the ball and checks to the right. He’s got half-a-yard and unleashes a shot that Sa deflects behind with his left leg.
Big moment.
Liverpool 1-0 Wolves
27 mins: Close!
Dominik Szoboszlai dances through the inside right channel and is encouraged to shoot from the fans as he gets to the edge of the box.
He does and sends a shot across goal hoping to sneak it in to the far bottom corner.
The strike is good enough but the accuracy isn’t quite there and the midfielder pulls the ball just wide of the target.
Liverpool 1-0 Wolves
26 mins: Andre floats a free kick into the Liverpool penalty area and finds Toti.
He’s offside but his knockdown is won by the Reds and the referee lets play go on.
Liverpool look to counter but the forward pass has too much on it and bobbles through to Jose Sa.
Liverpool 1-0 Wolves
24 mins: Wow!
Liverpool recover the ball after Pablo Sarabia is tackled. They move it quickly out to Luis Diaz who sweeps forward.
He looks for Mo Salah but Toti Gomes wins the ball in the air.
It drops to Diogo Jota who takes a snap shot but this effort is blocked and Toti is struck on the head and needs a moment after Wolves deal with the danger.
Liverpool 1-0 Wolves
21 mins: Another corner for Liverpool is swung into the box by Mac Allister.
He expertly finds the head of Jota who works his effort over the top of the crossbar.
Jota takes a second it stare after the ball and puffs out his cheeks knowing he really should have hit the target.
Liverpool 1-0 Wolves
18 mins: That goal will settle Liverpool down and build some more confidence in the league leaders.
Vitor Pereira would have been relatively pleased with how Wolves were faring but they’ll need to respond to going behind now.
'An unorthodox way to end a goal drought'
“An unorthodox way for Luis Diaz to end his goal drought.
“His first goal in 11 games came off his chest and perhaps at a cost, with Diaz moving gingerly now.
“But in a game that was shaping up as a contest of attack against defence, it alters the context.”
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Wolves (Luis Diaz, 15')
It’s an awkward one but Liverpool have the lead!
Diogo Jota receives the ball from Alexis Mac Allister and spins towards goal in the middle of the pitch.
He sends it up to Luis Diaz who sprints forward and picks out Mo Salah. Salah tries to return the pass and a flick from Toti sends the ball towards Diaz.
He’s in a race with Jose Sa, beats the goalkeeper, then chests the ball into the back of the net.
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