Liverpool almost threw away a 2-0 lead as they battled to a 2-1 victory over Wolves on Saturday, with Arne Slot’s side climbing to fourth in the Premier League table. The Reds appeared to be out of sight at half-time after taking a two-goal lead into the break, but were put under huge pressure by the visitors in the latter stages of the match.
Liverpool dominated early on but were made to wait until the 41st minute to take the lead as Ryan Gravenberch fired a low effort past Jose Sa after being teed up by Jeremie Frimpong. Florian Wirtz doubled the hosts’ lead a minute later as he bagged his first ever goal for the Reds, with Slot’s team appearing to be cruising. But Wolves reduced the deficit six minutes after the interval as Santiago Bueno bundled the ball in from close range. Liverpool rode their luck as the match wore on, but ultimately held on to clinch all three points. And Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players.
Liverpool player ratings vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)
Alisson: 7
Had more to do than he would have liked and was unable to push the ball away from danger after making a save in the lead up to Wolves’ goal.
Jeremie Frimpong: 7
Looked to get involved in his side’s attacking play and teased a lovely ball into the area at 0-0. Wolves didn’t heed the warning and the right-back teed-up Gravenberch for the opener soon afterwards.
Ibrahima Konate: 5
Has been shaky in some matches this season and flattered to deceive once against during the visit of Rob Edwards’ side. Gave the ball away at one point in the first-half and was too weak in the air in the lead up to Bueno’s strike.
Virgil van Dijk: 5
Was another player guilty of giving up possession in one instance in the opening period and was almost exposed by Tolu Arokodare late on as the Wolves man headed the ball off target after finding himself unmarked in the box. Doesn’t have the same impact in the backline as he once did.
Milos Kerkez: 5
Has endured a difficult start to his Reds career and continues to underwhelm in a Liverpool shirt. Fired a shot well off target towards the end of the first-half and needs more composure on the ball. Was poor defensively as well.
Ryan Gravenberch: 6
Has been prolific in front of goal this season by his standards and netted his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign after slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Should have put the game to bed with a second goal later on. Couldn't get a hold of the game in the second-half as Wolves almost claimed a surprise draw.
Curtis Jones: 6
Attempted to boss the midfield and saw a lot of the ball. Overplayed at times when he may have kept things more simple. Didn’t do too much wrong, however, as he put in a solid performance.
Federico Chiesa: 6
Was a threat and his movement was helpful, but he lacked composure at times. Managed to get an hour under his belt before being replaced by Conor Bradley.
Alexis Mac Allister: 5
Was denied by a fine save by Jose Sa after striking a thunderbolt at goal, although the effort would have been ruled out as Federico Chiesa was offside. Wasn’t quick enough on and off the ball and has struggled to make an impact this season.
Florian Wirtz: 8
Was outstanding for most of the game as his team-mates attempted to get him on the ball. Produced one of the best performances of his Reds career and finally scored his first goal for the club as he poked the ball pass Sa after being played through by Ekitike. Hit the side netting after the break and appeared to be the most likely man to make something happen.
Hugo Ekitike: 7
Has enjoyed a purple patch of form and was dangerous throughout. Struck the post in the first-half and showed silky skills on the ball. Humiliated Andre in the build up to the Reds’ second goal before laying on Wirtz’ chance. Did himself no favours after going to ground following a clash with Yerson Mosquera. Looked to be in discomfort when he was taken off late on.
Substitutions
Conor Bradley: 7
Came on for Federico Chiesa just after the hour mark and slotted in at right-back. Had to deal with a lot of pressure from the Wolves attackers as the visitors played their way back into the match.
Cody Gakpo: 6
Introduced to the action in the closing stages as Ekitike left the field.
Trey Nyoni: N/A
Came on in stoppage time to waste a bit of time as Liverpool clung on.