Liverpool have moved to within six points of the top four in the Premier League with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The two teams wasted no time delivering an end-to-end opening to the contest.
Stefan Bajcetic drew a save from Jose Sa in the first minute with a powerful strike. Wolves responded with Joao Moutinho forcing Alisson into a save from the edge of the area.
The early back and forth set the tone for the game, but Liverpool soon regained control of possession and started creating chances.
However, like much of the first half of the season, Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal meant they struggled to convert.
Wolves struggled to generate momentum in the second period and faced difficulty trying to break down Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool’s solidity gave the Reds a platform to build on. Darwin Nunez thought he had finally broken the deadlock until VAR disallowed the goal, with Diogo Jota deemed to have committed a foul in the build-up.
That setback did not deter Liverpool from pushing for the opener, and they finally got it when Virgil Van Dijk slotted home from close range from Jota’s low cross.
Mohamed Salah then sealed the points after tapping in Konstantinos Tsimikas’ drilled cross.
Wolves’ inconsistency continues to hamper their top-flight security, and a three-match winless run leaves Julen Lopetegui’s side just three points off the relegation zone.
The Reds may not have equalled the number of goals they conceded in the reverse fixture, but at least they prevented Wolves from completing a league double for the first time since 1950/51.
