Liverpool holds off Wolves to restore seven-point Premier League lead

Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah secure victory, but late Matheus Cunha strike exposes Liverpool’s defensive concerns.

Mohamed Salah reacts with Liverpool teammate Luis Díaz after scoring a goal later ruled out for offside during the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, on February 16, 2025, in Liverpool, England. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Adila Ghina

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolves, re-establishing their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Despite taking control with first-half goals from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah, Arne Slot’s side endured a nervy finish after Matheus Cunha’s stunning late strike.

The win capped a challenging week for Liverpool, who had struggled to shake off the disappointment of their derby defeat. While the three points were crucial, the performance left lingering concerns, particularly in defense, as Wolves threatened to snatch a result in the closing stages.

A controversial first half

Liverpool took time to find their rhythm, with Wolves setting up in a compact five-man defensive line. The visitors frustrated the hosts early on, but a devastating counterattack broke the deadlock.

Diogo Jota showcased his strength and vision, spinning past Andre and Matt Doherty before releasing Díaz down the left. The Colombian’s cross found Salah, whose first-time return pass deflected off Toti and fell invitingly into the six-yard box. Díaz reacted quickest, bundling the ball past José Sá with his chest to put Liverpool ahead.

Liverpool nearly doubled their lead moments later. Jota’s shot was heroically blocked by Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti, with the former taking an accidental blow to the head in the process. Sá then denied Jota again at his near post after intricate build-up play from Dominik Szoboszlai, Díaz, and Andy Robertson.

The pressure eventually resulted in a penalty after an error from Agbadou. Alexis Mac Allister’s hopeful long ball forced the Wolves defender into a mistimed clearance attempt, allowing Díaz to pounce. The winger’s first touch was heavy, and Sá lunged in, clipping him in the box. Though VAR reviewed Díaz’s initial nudge on Agbadou, referee Simon Hooper’s decision to award the penalty stood.

Salah confidently converted, floating his 50th Liverpool penalty down the center of Sá’s goal for his 28th strike of the season and 42nd successful penalty for the Reds.

Wolves fight back with brave substitutions

Despite trailing, Wolves had shown promise in possession, with Cunha and Pablo Sarabia orchestrating attacks. However, their lack of presence in the final third meant Liverpool largely remained in control. That changed after halftime when Wolves manager Vitor Pereira introduced Marshall Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, shifting the momentum.

Slot reacted by replacing Ibrahima Konaté with Jarell Quansah, fearing the Frenchman might pick up a second yellow card. However, the defensive reshuffle backfired almost immediately. Five minutes into his Premier League debut, Munetsi found himself one-on-one with Alisson after a clever flick from Bellegarde. Liverpool’s goalkeeper came to the rescue, racing out to block Munetsi’s shot with his face.

Liverpool momentarily thought they had restored their two-goal cushion when Salah found the net again, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Moments later, they were awarded another penalty when Jota went down under Agbadou’s challenge in the box. However, a VAR review revealed no contact, and Hooper overturned his decision after checking the pitch-side monitor. Curiously, Jota escaped without a booking for simulation.

Cunha’s stunner sparks late Liverpool jitters

Wolves eventually capitalized on Liverpool’s uncertainty, as Cunha produced a moment of brilliance. The forward collected another slick pass from Bellegarde, spun away from Ryan Gravenberch, and unleashed a curling shot from 22 yards into the top right corner of Alisson’s goal.

The strike ignited belief among the Wolves players and their traveling supporters, while nerves crept into Liverpool’s game. The visitors nearly equalized when substitute Tommy Doyle whipped in a dangerous low cross for Munetsi, but Quansah’s last-ditch tackle preserved Liverpool’s lead.

A crucial week ahead for Liverpool

While Liverpool secured the victory, their second-half struggles exposed vulnerabilities. With key fixtures looming, including a crucial European tie, Slot will need to address the team’s defensive fragility and composure under pressure.

Wolves, despite the defeat, can take pride in their performance. Pereira’s bold substitutions injected energy into the team, and their spirited fightback suggests they are capable of troubling any opponent.

For Liverpool, however, the three points were all that mattered. But as they prepare for the challenges ahead, the manner of the win raises as many questions as it answers.