Liverpool look to open up a seven-point advantage at the top of the Premier League this afternoon when they welcome Wolves to Anfield (2pm kick-off). The Reds’ lead was cut to four points yesterday when second-placed Arsenal left it late to win 2-0 at Leicester City.
So now all eyes will be on how Liverpool respond when they take on Vitor Pereira’s relegation-threatened Wolves. And they currently lead 2-0 thanks to Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah.
The Reds have been the outstanding team in both the Premier League and the Champions League this season. But they have had a difficult week by their own high standards.
A much-changed line-up suffered a shock 1-0 FA Cup loss at Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle before Arne Slot’s full-strength side suffered late frustration in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as a 98th-minute Everton equaliser ensured honours ended 2-2.
But, in reality, a point was still a good result for the Reds, and that will prove especially so if they return to winning ways this afternoon against a Wolves team who sit just two points above the drop spots.
Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle and Theo Squires are at Anfield for us today. Follow our blog for an n in-game commentary and then the best post-match reaction and analysis.
Half-time ratings
Alisson Becker 6
Clasped one deflected effort from range but long-range kicking a bit iffy.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Defensively very solid first half and distribution improved after very wayward opening.
Ibrahima Konate 6
Almost caught out by windy conditions with one long ball first half but recovered. Slightly lucky to avoid second yellow after collision with Cunha. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Another for whom weather made life a bit more difficult that would have intended but began to take control.
Andy Robertson 6
Decision-making not always on point first half but delivered one dangerous cross for Jota.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Improvement on midweek but slightly sloppy control at time put him in some unnecessarily awkward positions.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Again the most impressive Liverpool midfielder, not least with his willingness to put his foot in and move ball forward quickly.
Mohamed Salah 7
Given some difficult balls to control early on but began to get better of Ait-Nouri and Toti and part in first goal before netting penalty for second.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
Plenty of hustle and bustle before break and decent touches when in possession with one shot wide first half.
Luis Diaz 8
Far more comfortable on the left and played key part in build-up before scoring opener and then winning the penalty for second.
Diogo Jota 7
Volleyed early chance wide and excellent turn on halfway prompted opener before later shot blocked.
HT: Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Goals from Diaz and Salah have the Reds cruising at Anfield and on course to regain their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Stoppage time at the end of the first half
Three added minutes.
