Review: Liverpool grind their way past a resilient “pack of Wolves” to restore their seven point lead in the Premier league

Mo Salah's goal guides Liverpool to a hard-fought victory against Wolves. (Image credits - FMT, License Details

Liverpool ensured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a resilient Wolves side yesterday at Anfield to restore their seven point lead at the top of the Premier League points table.

The Reds' dominated the game in the early stages and added two goals within the first half itself. Luis Diaz’ opener, followed by Mo Salah’s brilliantly converted penalty, ensured a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

However, Slot's men dropped their intensity in the second half, and the game turned into an end-to-end one, with Wolves giving everything they had to try and walk away with a point.

Liverpool's transfer target Matheus Cunha scored a stellar goal to pull the visitors back in the game. Munetsi and Joao Gomes missed two golden chances to score the equaliser, failing to capitalise on the Reds’ lacklustre performance in the second half.

Statistically, it was a subpar performance from Liverpool at home, which saw them register 0 shots on target in the second half for the first time since the 2003/04 season.

Wolves, on the other hand, mustered 16 shots on goal, accumulating an xG (expected goals) of 1.50; however, they walked away with nothing to show for it.

Liverpool looked nervous in the second half

Liverpool were in the driver's seat at half-time, having a lead of two goals to nil as they dominated the midfield to create spaces in the Wolves’ defensive third.

However, things turned pretty ugly for Arne Slot's side in the second half, with the table toppers winning because of sheer pragmatism and defensive resilience led by their captain Virgil van Dijk and youngster Jarell Quansah’s crucial save late in the second half. 

Wataru Endo’s cameo after coming on was also decisive in seeing Reds through, despite their struggles. 

Wolves played like they had nothing to lose and nearly rescued a point from Anfield, with Slot’s men appearing like they still hadn't recovered from the late equaliser at Goodison Park a few days ago.

Liverpool struggled to win duels and second balls, allowing the visitors side to keep possession of the ball and constantly advance forward.

Arne Slot praised his team's spirit for that second-half performance, but he knows that they'll need to improve a lot before the upcoming games to ensure that the Premier League title doesn’t slip away from their hands.

Luis Diaz proves his worth to Liverpool 

Luis Diaz has often been criticised by the pundits for being wasteful in front of goal. However, the 28-year-old redeemed himself with a huge goal that turned out to be the difference between the two sides.

Replacing Cody Gakpo in the lineup, who suffered a knock, the Colombian produced a stellar performance in front of the home crowd, as he produced a lot of threat going up front from Liverpool's left flank.

There have been rumours regarding Diaz's potential move away from Anfield in the upcoming summer, with FC Barcelona showing strong interest in the 28-year-old.