Player Ratings: Salah Shines Again as Liverpool Scrape Past Wolves | OneFootball

Liverpool 2 – 1 Wolves – Premier League Player Ratings

Following the Merseyside Derby debacle that ended in a 2-2 draw, Liverpool remained in their home city to welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to fortress Anfield. Only a win would do for the Premier League leaders after Arsenal defeated Leicester City 1-2 in their away day fixture the day prior.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The world-class Brazilian stopper was quick off his line in the first half and reacted well to any dangers that rarely came his way.

After the restart, the former Roma keeper was brilliant to save from a one-on-one opportunity, as he sprang from his line to body the ball away from danger. A very good game that continued to show his importance to the team.

Photo: IMAGO

Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0

The England superstar started the game with a combination of lethargic off-the-ball work and wanted to propel his team into attacks when on it. A variety of good passes and one blazed shot over the bar were all undertaken.

In the second half, the explosive fullback was again subdued as he struggled to form his best form.

Subbed – 64 mins

Andy Robertson – 6.0

The Scotland international skipper was steady and concentrated at the outset, as he looked to ensure coverage in transition. One poor moment of judgment late in the first half nearly allowed a dangerous attack to build, until Virgil cleared the danger created.

After the halftime break, the veteran fullback concentrated on his efforts and defended with good experience.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The defender was powerfully alert to suppress any incoming attacks, as he looked to cover ground at speed. The huge defender was a little clumsy at times as he used his physicality a little too forcefully.

Subbed – 45 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team was quietly dominant and commanding in his opening half display, as he looked to nullify the threat of Cunha by leading his team from the back. A superb back-heeled clearance was needed late in the half to save Andy Robertson from his defensive mistake.

In the second period of the game, the former Celtic man needed to repel the advancing opposition and make sure his team got over the line with a good defensive performance.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

Gravenberch was a little subdued at the start as he struggled to impact the game that was struggling to ignite. Much of the half drifted by the 6ft 3inch Netherlands international.

After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was vital in driving forward to create the second penalty. His running was better in the second half as his team defended their lead.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

Szoboszlai was lively and effective on and off the ball, as he looked to attack the Wolves defence with intent. A solid long-range effort slid just wide of the post as he looked to add more goal involvement to his game.

In the second 45 minutes, the former RB Leipzig star was vital in adding a layer of protection to his defence.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina World Cup winner was a facilitator and controller on the pitch as the attacking endeavour built around his calm and dominant performance. The opening goal stemmed from his positive past as he looked to build momentum from deep.

In the second half of this game, the former Brighton star was important in cutting out passing lanes and ensuring the ball was moved forward as often as possible ls

Luis Díaz – 8.0

The Columbian attacker was tasked into the left wing position and he was electric in his running and scored the opening goal with a chested finish from close range. The penalty was won by his desire and surge into the penalty area as he looked far more comfortable and competitive from the wide Mr role.

After the restart, the former Porto man was less effective as the opportunities to attack lessened through the half.

Subbed – 71 mins

Diogo Jota – 7.0

The forward started in the centre of an attacking front three and was a live wire that had several good close-range efforts in the first half, after playing a key part in the opening goal.

After the halftime break, the former Wolves man was alert to win the second penalty, however, that award was overturned by

VAR.

Subbed – 64 mins

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was a constant threat in the first half and had several half-chances before playing a part in the opening goal. The penalty to extend his team’s lead was superb and showed the confidence the Premier League’s top scorer is exerting.

After the intermission, the record-breaking goalscorer was limited in his output, though always able to relieve the pressure with his experience.

Substitutions;

Jarell Quansah – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to relieve Ibou, who was at risk of a second yellow card. Made a vital late block.

Darwin Núñez – 6.0 (on 64)

Came on to add running.

Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 64)

Came on to add edge.

Wataru Endō – 6.0 (on 72)

Came on to add bite.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch manager picked his best available eleven as Cody Gakpo missed out through injury.

The second-half substitutions were reactive and the addition of a specialist defensive midfielder was refreshing.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 Wolves