Liverpool Grind Out Narrow Win Against Resilient Wolves | OneFootball

By Aiden Gharibian

The game ends 2–1 in favour of Liverpool in a nerve-wracking ending for the Reds. Liverpool just about got over the line thanks to a solid first half showing. Goals from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah proved to be the difference, as Wolves kept it close with a beautifully taken consolation goal from Matheus Cunha in the second half. There are valid arguments about Liverpool’s poor performance, but an equally strong case can be made that they did exactly what was needed to secure three points — an essential trait of title-winning teams. Liverpool were second best in the second half, and this can be proven with some shocking statistics.

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For the first time since the 2003–2004 season, Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in the second half at Anfield — an astonishing and concerning statistic for a side like Liverpool. However, there were some bright sparks in the second half. Ibrahima Konaté received a yellow card in the 31st minute and later conceded a free kick before halftime. This forced Arne Slot to substitute him, as he was walking a tightrope. Young Jarell Quansah was introduced in the second half as his replacement, and he saved the game with a last-ditch tackle in the 86th minute. Arne Slot praised Quansah after the match, stating that he is ‘back to his old level’ — a sentiment some fans are beginning to share after his performance. Wataru Endo also made an impact when brought on, winning tackles and earning free kicks. However, he was not the only one.

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Despite the presence of other key figures in today’s match, it’s worth mentioning a player who has had a mixed few months. Luis Díaz has played through the middle recently to accommodate for Cody Gakpo on the left, but most fans would agree this did not work well for Díaz. Today’s performance from Díaz proved the fans right, as he played the match on the left wing due to Gakpo being out with a knock. Díaz was arguably more threatening on the left in today’s match than he has ever been through the centre. He played a part in both goals, scoring the first and winning the penalty, which Salah netted. This raises a difficult question for the boss: Should Díaz and Gakpo be rotating on the left again?