Wolves ratings from Liverpool defeat as three 'abysmal' players get 4/10 but two earn 8s

Wolves suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Premier League title favourites Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, Matheus Cunha’s second-half stunner not enough to cancel out first-half goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah at Anfield.

It was a real Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Old Gold as a host of first-half errors allowed Liverpool two goals in front but Vitor Pereira’s side made a spirited response to make a game of it in the second period. Arne Slot’s men were hanging on by a thread at times but were able to regain their seven-point lead ahead of Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League standings.

Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool on the quarter-hour mark, finishing off a quick counter-attack after Wolves midfielder Pablo Sarabia gave the ball away cheaply. Salah’s pass into the area wasn’t cleared away properly as Toti Gomes sloppily scuffed the ball backwards into the path of Diaz, who put his body on the line to bundle it into the net beyond Jose Sa. Wolves’ goalkeeper should’ve done better as he didn’t rush out quickly enough to Toti’s miskick.

Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead with a confident penalty in the 37th minute, smashing the ball down the centre to beat Sa. Wolves defended calamitously to concede the spot-kick as Emmanuel Agbadou completely missed the ball with a clearance attempt, Diaz chopped in to win possession and Sa misjudged the situation to wipe out the Liverpool winger inside the box.

The second goal was coming as the Reds had several chances throughout the first period. Former Wolves star Diogo Jota headed narrowly over from an Alexis Mac Allister corner, Dominik Szoboszlai went close as with a powerful drive from 20 yards and Jota was denied by Sa at the near post after the Wolves ‘keeper spilled a low cross.

Pereira, recognising Liverpool’s utter dominance, made two substitutions at half time in an attempt to turn the tide, bringing on Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi for Goncalo Guedes and Pablo Sarabia. Munetsi, on for his Premier League debut should’ve scored within minutes of coming on as he was fed through on goal by Bellegarde but Alisson made himself big to make an important save.

Salah thought he’d scored his second and Liverpool’s third as he curled into the far corner from an excellent Trent Alexander-Arnold through ball, but the linesman’s flag was up for offside. The Egyptian then thought he had a second opportunity to score from the spot as referee Simon Hooper gave a penalty for Agbadou’s sliding challenge on Jota but, after a VAR pitchside review, the spot-kick was overturned. Agbadou was very lucky he didn’t make sufficient contact with Jota as he completely mistimed his challenge.

Cunha gave Wolves a fighting chance in the 67th minute with a glorious goal to make it 2-1. Bellegarde did brilliantly to flick the ball into Cunha, who chopped past Ryan Gravenberch to curl emphatically into the far bottom corner. The goal was deserved as Wolves had threatened in the lead-up, forcing a couple of corners and seeing Joao Gomes go close after Rayan Ait-Nouri intercepted to start a counter-attack.

Wanderers had a spring in their step after their goal and looked the more likely team to score for a long stretch. Liverpool struggled to assert any real control in possession as they frantically passed out from the back and often gifted Wolves the ball back. Pereira’s men were unable to find a second way through, however, and the Reds held on for an important three points in the title race.

Wolves ratings vs Liverpool

Jose Sa - 4

Had to do better for Diaz’s goal as he let the ball slip through his arms and then fouled the Colombian to concede a penalty later in the first half. Unconvincing with his distribution throughout.

Nelson Semedo - 6 (off 90+2’)

One of Wolves’ only threats going forward as he got the better of Robertson a couple of times, including ahead of Cunha’s goal. Struggled to defend up against the double-up of Robertson and Diaz, however.

Matt Doherty - 6

Made his fair share of clearances - unlike many of his teammates - and wasn’t afraid to dribble out from the back on a few occasions to make ground up the field.

Emmanuel Agbadou - 4 (off 61’)

Made a big error before Liverpool’s penalty, missing the ball to allow Diaz clean through. Swept up a few loose touches from his defensive counterparts but was very fortunate to have VAR overturn a conceded penalty as his slide was out of control. Taken off with an injury in the aftermath of that incident.

Toti Gomes - 5

At fault for the opener as he failed to clear his lines, directing the ball straight to the goalscorer. Nearly gifted Salah a clear-cut chance with a sloppy touch, spared his blushes by Agbadou’s clearance. Sured up in the second half.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7

Stood up well to Salah for the most part as he made a few vital blocks. Showed off some impressive footwork a couple of times in the second half.

Andre - 6

Struggled to assert any midfield control whatsoever in the first half but did improve in the second, chopping in with several necessary interceptions.

Joao Gomes - 6 (off 83’)

Sloppy in the first half and missed a good chance after the break. Did improve with his passing as the second half went on, though.

Pablo Sarabia - 4 (off at HT)

Gave up possession to start Liverpool’s counter for the first goal and failed with two or three long shot attempts. Hooked at the break.

Matheus Cunha - 8

Scored a beautiful curling goal to make it 2-1, his 12th in the Premier League this season. Always looked dangerous when drifting between the lines for Wolves.

Goncalo Guedes - 5 (off at HT)

Hardly got involved as he walked around up top, rarely making runs in behind.

Marshall Munetsi - 7 (on at HT)

Had a great chance to score almost immediately after entering the field but shot straight at Alisson. Used his physicality to be a nuisance in advanced positions.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - 8 (on at HT)

Played the superb through ball to Munetsi and did excellently to assist Cunha’s strike with a fine piece of skill.