Wolves player ratings vs Liverpool: One 'much-improved' 8/10 and five 7s despite defeat

Wolves gave a good account of themselves and were for long stretches the more dangerous team, but two ruthless moments from Liverpool - a powerful header from Ibrahima Konate and a converted penalty from Mohamed Salah - were enough to claim all three points.

Gary O’Neil’s side started positively as they dictated the tempo and swung several dangerous crosses into the danger zone. Nelson Semedo delivered the first proper sight of goal after beating Andy Robertson for skill, swinging a peach into the area and forcing a punch away from Alisson. Matheus Cunha then tested the Liverpool goalkeeper’s athleticism with a curled effort from a tight angle.

Molineux grew frustrated at times by the long and patient build-up plays but the approach was at that point proactive as it stopped Liverpool gaining any real momentum. Some hospital passes out from the back from Sam Johnstone certainly weren’t as positive, however, as the Wolves goalkeeper invited on pressure with his shaky distribution.

Liverpool began to look a little more dangerous approaching the interval as they whipped several deliveries into the box, some powerful and others delicate. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stinging low effort first tested Johnstone before the goalkeeper made a terrific save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai from point-blank range.

Arne Slot’s side found a way through just before the break as Konate towered above Toti Gomes to head in for 1-0 from a dinked Diogo Jota cross. Johnstone could’ve done better as the ball slipped beneath his body and nestled into the corner. It was a tough pill to swallow for Wolves, who had defended brilliantly right up until the final moment of the half.

Liverpool nearly inflicted a sucker punch at the start of the second period as Salah went agonisingly close to doubling his side’s advantage. Mario Lemina gave the ball away across under very little pressure as he passed across his own area, gifting Salah an open swipe at goal. Wolves were spared their blushes as the Egyptian’s volleyed effort fizzed inches wide of the far post.

Molineux roared into life as Rayan Ait-Nouri netted an equaliser out of nowhere for Wolves. It was a scrappy goal but the Algerian didn’t care. Jorgen Strand Larsen didn’t give up on a forward pass, pressing Konate to win possession on the byline before cutting it back to Carlos Forbs, who scuffed the ball into Ait-Nouri’s path. The left-back made no mistake, firing into the net beyond Alisson for 1-1.

The home joy lasted merely a few moments, though, as Liverpool were back ahead almost instantly when Salah converted a penalty. The Reds were awarded a spot-kick for a foul from Nelson Semedo on Jota, who was sprinting to connect with a Szoboszlai cross and was bundled over. Wolves were furious with the decision but VAR didn’t intervene.

Wanderers were largely resorted to their own half as Liverpool tried to dictate the tempo and see out the game, but there was the odd break forward on the counter-attack. Forbs had a decent chance as he sprinted onto a Cunha through pass but Konate made an outstanding block to deny the winger. Curtis Jones forced a great diving stop from Johnstone down the other end but the clash then fizzled out.

It’s a fifth league defeat of the season for Wolves, who remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League standings with just one point from six games.

Wolves player ratings vs Liverpool

Sam Johnstone - 6

Should’ve done better to stop Konate’s header as he let the ball slip underneath him. Also made a couple of hospital passes earlier in the first half. Did make one brilliant save to deny Szoboszlai at point-blank range, though, so that has to be commended. Also got down low to his left to stop a driving shot from Jones.

Nelson Semedo - 5

Fouled Jota for the penalty that put Liverpool back ahead and couldn’t have many complaints as he effectively jumped on the attacker’s back. Otherwise defended ok, keeping the in-form Luis Diaz at bay. Had the odd decent moment going forward, too.

Santiago Bueno - 7 (off 77’)

A much better display at the heart of defence as he made countless clearances and recoveries. Hardly put a foot wrong with his passing either, though did lose the odd duel.

Toti Gomes - 6

Hardly even challenged Konate as the Liverpool man towered above him and headed in the opening goal. It was a shame as he’d defended well before then, particularly when he made a superb sliding challenge on Salah to stop a counter-attack. Looked solid in the second 45 and wasn’t afraid to dribble forward.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 8

Scored the goal that briefly levelled up proceedings, getting in a dangerous area and finishing instinctively. Much improved defensively, often coming out on top in duels with Salah – something that’s far easier said than done.

Andre - 6

Had a great first half as he dictated the play at the base of midfield. Wasn’t able to control the tempo as well in the second period, however. Received a controversial booking as he won the ball with a sliding challenge but was penalised.

Joao Gomes - 7

Swept across to make several interceptions and kick-started attacks with a wide range of passing. Battled hard to break up the play during periods of frustration.

Mario Lemina - 6

Ran his socks off in a box-to-box role, pressing relentlessly out of possession and getting involved in several stages of build-up plays. Made a big error at the start of the second half, however, as he passed straight to Salah for an open goal. Also let several first touches get away from him.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - 6 (off 52’)

Pressed well and created space for crosses but wasn’t pinpoint enough with his final deliveries into the box. Replaced early in the second half.

Matheus Cunha - 7

Always looked to pass or dribble forward, lifting the crowd. Created a great chance for Forbs midway through the second half.

Jorgen Strand Larsen - 7 (off 68’)

Directly involved in Ait-Nouri’s goal as he was determined to win the ball back from Konate, creating the chance. Otherwise not very involved, but that’s to be expected against one of the best centre-half pairings in the league.

Carlos Forbs - 7 (on 52’)

Added great impetus to Wolves’ attacks and notched the assist for Ait-Nouri’s goal, albeit a little fortuitously. Made some great runs into the channels and nearly scored an equaliser but was denied by a Konate block.

Hwang Hee-Chan - 6 (on 68’)

Struggled to make an impact late on despite attempts to take on defenders.

Tommy Doyle - 6 (on 77’)

Came on when Liverpool were passing the ball around slowly to close out the game, so didn’t have a proper chance to turn the tide.