Liverpool player ratings against Wolves: 8/10 ‘displays determination’ but 5/10 ‘never quite settled’ in 2-1 victory…

Liverpool player ratings against Wolves: 8/10 ‘displays determination’ but 5/10 ‘never fully settled’ in 2-1 triumph.

Liverpool’s player ratings following their 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at Anfield.

Liverpool regained a seven-point advantage at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Wolves at Anfield.

Goals from Luis Diaz and Mo Salah (penalty) in the first half were sufficient for the victory, although the second half proved to be tense for the Reds.

While it wasn’t a flawless display from Arne Slot’s team, they showcased the determination necessary in their quest for the championship.

Match summary

Liverpool began the match aggressively, with Diogo Jota sending a volley wide in the eighth minute.

The Reds took the lead in the 15th minute, executing a quick counter-attack that culminated in an inventive chest finish from Diaz.

Twenty-one minutes later, they doubled their lead with Diaz again playing a crucial role. After being fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, referee Simon Hooper awarded a penalty, which Salah converted by sending the ball down the middle.

Wolves nearly equalized just before half-time when Matheus Cunha’s free-kick narrowly missed the target.

Liverpool had another opportunity four minutes into the second half, but Alisson Becker made an excellent save from Marshall Munetsi.

Slot’s side found the net again in the 52nd minute through Salah, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

A second penalty was awarded to Liverpool five minutes later when Diogo Jota was brought down in the box, but after a VAR review, Hooper reversed his initial decision.

Wolves began to dominate and managed to pull one back with a well-placed strike from Cunha. The visitors maintained pressure for significant stretches, but Liverpool managed to hold on.

They now sit seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal with 13 matches remaining, facing challenging away fixtures against Aston Villa and Manchester City next.

Here is the assessment of the Liverpool players:

Alisson Becker – 7

He faced minimal challenges in the first half and effectively positioned his wall, causing Cunha’s free-kick to miss the target. He made a notable save early in the second half but had little chance to stop Cunha’s goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6

He may feel let down for not hitting the target with two attempts in the first half, though he performed well overall. He delivered an exquisite pass with the outside of his boot for Salah’s offside goal but was fortunate to escape a risky pass that led to a chance for Wolves. He was substituted in the 63rd minute.

Ibrahima Konate – 6

He effectively dealt with threats for most of the first half but received a booking for a misplaced pass and then committed a foul in a dangerous area, allowing Cunha to come close from the resulting free-kick. He was substituted at halftime.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

He made several crucial clearances to disrupt counter-attacks. He may be disappointed with how Wolves managed to re-enter the game and was not entirely convincing in his actions, yet he excelled in aerial duels.

Andy Robertson – 6

He provided significant attacking support down the flank in the first half but was caught out defensively on a few occasions. His performance mirrored this in the second half.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5

He began the match somewhat sluggishly but improved as the first half progressed. He made a strong run that led to the penalty incident involving Jota but was easily outmaneuvered by Cunha for Wolves’ goal, leaving him looking unsettled thereafter.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

Covered significant ground and was instrumental in winning the ball during the first half, demonstrating excellent control in possession. Showed determination after halftime but appeared somewhat fatigued before transitioning into the No.10 position.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

Exhibited his characteristic energy in the first half, with a low shot narrowly missing the target. Delivered a clever backheel that initiated the attack leading to the overturned penalty, before moving to the wing following Diaz’s substitution.

Mo Salah – 7

Contributed to the opening goal and displayed remarkable confidence by converting his penalty straight down the middle. However, he will likely be disappointed with a missed opportunity just before halftime.

Had a second goal ruled out for offside in the second half and struggled to challenge the Wolves defense thereafter.

Diogo Jota – 7

Consistently troubled the Wolves defense throughout the first half. His intelligent play helped create an overload for the opening goal, although he missed a couple of good chances.

Believed he had won a second penalty for Liverpool, but VAR intervened; it was puzzling why he went down so easily instead of taking a shot. Substituted in the 63rd minute.

Luis Diaz – 8

Displayed greater comfort on the left wing compared to a central role. Showed determination and was rewarded with the opening goal, subsequently drawing a foul from Sa that led to the penalty. Was less impactful after the break befo

re being substituted in the 71st minute.

Sub 1 – Jarell Quansh (replaced Konate) – 8

Performed flawlessly, including an impressive crossfield pass, and made a crucial block in the final moments of the match.

Sub 2 – Conor Bradley (replaced Alexander-Arnold) – 6

Helped maintain control of the game and made efforts to push forward.

Sub 3 – Darwin Nunez (replaced Jota) – 5

Put in a solid effort but had limited opportunities to make an impact.

Sub 4 – Wataru Endo – 6