Wolves were not flustered by an all-conquering Liverpool side, who have scored three or more goals in all but one away fixture this campaign, and put in a typically stubborn defensive display for the opening 30 minutes. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Diogo Jota were denied the ball effectively, although the ‘Reds’ eventually found a way around the hosts’ compact back five, and should have been in front at HT. Jota headed wide at the back post from a deep Trent Alexander-Arnold cross after 31 minutes, whilst Romain Saïss put in a crucial sliding challenge to prevent Salah tapping a low Andy Robertson cross into an empty net six minutes later.
Chances came thick and fast after the restart, with Liverpool in the driving seat and Wolves aiming to inflict the visitors’ first ever Premier League defeat at Molineux on the counter. Jota spurned another opportunity to hand the visitors the lead, though it was more inexplicable this time. José Sá was stranded, but with the entire goal to aim at from six yards, the winger shot straight at Conor Coady on the goal line.
It seemed as though a winner would evade Liverpool, and they looked destined to fire a blank for the first time this season. However, an inspired tactical change from Jürgen Klopp paid dividends, as Origi was thrown into the mix and broke the deadlock in the 94th minute. Salah dug a chance out from the right wing, and played the ball into the Belgian, who turned and broke Wolves hearts with a low, powerful drive from close range.
This result, combined with Chelsea’s earlier loss, moves Liverpool one point ahead at the top of the table, albeit with Manchester City still to play this evening. Meanwhile, Wolves lose for only the second time in ten matches, narrowly missing out on becoming the first team since West Ham in 2015 to record three consecutive 0-0 draws.
