Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League table after securing a 2-1 win over a hungry Wolverhampton Wanderers side, who are still in search of their first win of the campaign.

It was a mixed night for the Reds, who netted two goals despite struggling to get into the game at points. A penalty from Mohamed Salah saw them take all three points from the clash, climbing to the top of the league while Wolves slump at the bottom.

How the game unfolded

It was a slow start for both teams down at Molineux while Liverpool’s relentless pressing failed to thread anything through Wolves’ wide back line. It was the hosts who looked most likely to steal an early effort, firing optimistic chances towards Alisson on his return to action.

Sam Johnstone made light work of any attempts from Liverpool, making a remarkable save to prevent Dominik Szoboszlai from earning the first goal of the game.

The Reds finally made a breakthrough just ahead of the break as Ibrahima Konate reacted to a cross from Diogo Jota to nod the ball into the back of the net. Johnstone did his best to reach it, but is unable to block the visitors as they make it 1-0.

Mohamed Salah came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead when play resumed. He fired a strong shot towards the box after a clumsy pass from Mario Lemina, just missing the post and failing to strengthen his side’s deficit.

Then, as if from nowhere, Jorgen Strand Larsen chased Konate who foolishly allowed the Wolves striker to steal possession in the box. Strand Larsen scrambled the ball towards the goal before Rayan Ait-Nouri arrived to tap it home.

Wolves’ celebrations did not last long though, as Liverpool were awarded a penalty just minutes after following a dispute between Jota and Nelson Semedo. Salah, keen to improve on his earlier miss, stepped up and fired the ball into the bottom corner with ease.

The game seemed to slow once the Reds had regained their lead, with neither side finding the chance to add to the scoreline. The full-time whistle saw the visitors rise to the top of the table, whilst Wolves were forced to sink to the bottom.

GK: Sam Johnstone – 6/10 – Johnstone made some seriously good saves to stop Liverpool from attacking early on. He struggled with the Reds’ first goal and had no chance of stopping Salah.

RB: Nelson Semedo – 4/10 – Could’ve been an excellent performance in defence for Semedo who silenced Andy Robertson on numerous occasions. But, his altercation with Jota handed Liverpool a chance in front of goal, which they made sure to take.

CB: Santiago Bueno – 6/10 – Dealt with Alexander-Arnold’s early efforts well and ultimately provided a strong outing for Wolves’ defence.

CB: Toti Gomes – 5/10 – Found himself out of position occasionally, especially in the midst of Konate’s opening goal. Struggled to link up with his teammates.

LB: Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7/10 – Impressive performance from the 23-year-old who made sure to block out Liverpool’s early chances. Did well to head away an early Reds corner and deserved his later goal.

CM: Mario Lemina – 4/10 – Had a solid start to the game but ruined his efforts after allowing the ball to fall to Mohamed Salah – who just missed the chance to make it 2-0 after the break.

CM: Andre – 6/10 – Worked hard in Wolves’ midfield despite picking up an early booking.

RW: Matheus Cunha – 6/10 – Cunha did well to get up and down the pitch, often providing dangerous runs for Wolves. It looked like he had a goal brewing, but was unable to capitalise.

AM: Joao Gomes – 5/10 – Underwhelming display from Gomes who looked nervy when presented with chances.

RW: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 5/10 – Mixed bag from Bellagarde against Liverpool. Forced to play out of position which seemed to impact his confidence and ability.

ST: Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7/10 – Strand Larsen did so well in stealing possession from Konate in the build-up to Wolves’ equaliser. Confident outing from the forward.

Substitutes

SUB: Carlos Forbs (52′ for Bellegarde) – 6/10

SUB: Hee-Chan Hwang (68′ for Strand Larsen) – 6/10

SUB: Thomas Doyle (77′ for Bueno) – N/A

Subs not used: Jose Sa (GK), Alfie Pond, Matt Doherty, Rodrigo Gomes, Goncalo Guedes, Pablo Sarabia

Manager

Gary O’Neil – 4/10 – Another poor performance from O’Neil who has yet to see his side achieve a win in the league.

GK: Alisson Becker – 5/10 – Didn’t have much to do in his return to action after injury. Poor positioning from the shot-stopper for Wolves’ equaliser.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10 – Alexander-Arnold had numerous chances but failed to etch his name onto the scoresheet. His defensive performance, though, was worthy of praise.

CB: Ibrahima Konate – 6/10 – Scored Liverpool’s first goal but nullified his efforts after allowing Wolves to equalise in the second half.

CB: Virgil van Dijk – 7/10 – Dominant performance from Van Dijk who commanded Liverpool’s back line. Very few mistakes made by the defender, a reliable member of the squad.

LB: Andy Robertson – 6/10 – A bad foul saw Robertson removed from the pitch in the second half. Before that, it was a solid performance from the left-back.

DM: Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10 – Gravenberch looked immense against Wolves. His movement, his consistency and his creativity has come to life under Arne Slot.

DM: Alexis Mac Allister – 7/10 – Worked hard to break up play when he could and vastly improved in the second half. Alongside Gravenberch, Mac Allister was excellent in midfield.

RM: Mohamed Salah – 6/10 – Missed a chance in front of goal after stealing possession from Wolves but made up for it when he fired home a clear penalty.

AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – 5/10 – Uninspiring from the Hungarian who struggled to get into the game and failed to make much noise in front of goal.

LM: Luis Diaz – 5/10 – Made some good passes but otherwise failed to impress against Wolves.

ST: Diogo Jota – 6/10 – A good evening for Jota who did well to earn his side a penalty, which they converted with ease.

Substitutes

SUB: Cody Gakpo (73′ for Diaz) – 6/10

SUB: Curtis Jones (73′ for Szoboszlai) – 5/10

SUB: Joe Gomez (89′ for Robertson) – N/A

Subs not used: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa

Manager

Arne Slot – 6/10 – Composed on the touchline but didn’t have much to do in terms of substitutions.

Player of the match: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

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