Liverpool overcame a tough challenge from Wolves, winning 2-1 in a match filled with drama and controversy. Van Dijk and Diaz stood out for Liverpool.
Liverpool secured a hard-fought victory against Wolves at Anfield, overcoming a nervy second half to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League. The match, which ended 2-1, saw Liverpool initially dominate before Wolves mounted a spirited comeback.
First Half Domination
Liverpool started strongly, establishing a two-goal lead before halftime. Luis Diaz opened the scoring, reacting quickly to bundle the ball home after a deflection off Toti from a Mohamed Salah pass.
Salah himself added the second from the penalty spot after Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled by Wolves keeper José Sá. The penalty was awarded after Agbadou missed a clearance following a ball from Alexis Mac Allister, leading to Sá clipping Diaz in the box.
Wolves’ Second Half Resurgence
Wolves emerged a different side after the break, spurred on by half-time changes and a change in tactics. Matheus Cunha reduced the deficit with a superb strike from outside the area, curling a shot past Alisson into the top corner. This goal sparked anxiety at Anfield, as Liverpool struggled to regain control of the match.
Liverpool failed to register a single shot on goal in the second half, a statistic that highlights their struggles after the break. According to Opta, this was the first time since 2003-04 that Liverpool had failed to have a shot in a half of a Premier League game at Anfield.
Key Moments and Controversies
The match was not without its controversial moments. Wolves felt aggrieved by some of the refereeing decisions, with both Vítor Pereira and Matt Doherty booked for dissent in the first half.
Liverpool were initially awarded a second penalty when Diogo Jota went down under a challenge from Agbadou. However, VAR overturned the decision after replays showed that Agbadou made no contact with Jota, who appeared to dive. Jota was not booked for the incident.
Wolves substitute Marshall Munetsi had a chance to level the score early in the second half, but his shot was saved by Alisson. Quansah, who came on as a substitute, made a crucial intervention to deny Munetsi a late equaliser.
Player Performances
Virgil van Dijk was a standout performer for Liverpool, making numerous clearances and interceptions to keep Wolves at bay. Luis Diaz also impressed, scoring the opening goal. Alisson made an important save to deny Munetsi at a crucial moment.
For Wolves, Matheus Cunha’s excellent goal and the impact of half-time substitutes Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde were positives.
Post-Match Analysis
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged that his team had to show a different mentality to secure the win. He praised his players for getting the job done, even though they were not at their best.
Wolves manager Pereira said he didn’t recognize his team in the first half, but was happy with their response in the second half. He felt they should have got something from the game.
The win extends Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points. However, Slot will be aware that his team needs to improve ahead of crucial games against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clynyz19e6do
https://www.thisisanfield.com/2025/02/dominant-virgil-van-dijk-stands-tall-for-liverpool-but-full-backs-struggle/
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/feb/16/liverpool-wolves-premier-league-match-report