Liverpool delivered a commanding performance in the second half against Wolves on Saturday, rallying from behind to secure a 3-1 victory and claim the top spot in the Premier League table after the early kick-off.
Hwang Hee-chan gave the home team an early lead against their sluggish opponents at Molineux, and they had numerous opportunities to increase their advantage during an impressive first-half display.
However, Liverpool emerged strongly after halftime, equalizing through Cody Gakpo 10 minutes into the second half. Jurgen Klopp’s team maintained consistent pressure on Wolves and were rewarded when Andy Robertson neatly finished in the 85th minute, followed by an own goal from Hugo Bueno, which added to the final score.
Liverpool’s fourth consecutive win propelled them to the summit of the Premier League ahead of the 1400 GMT kick-offs.
Wolves have struggled to find a cutting edge this season but began brightly, with Pedro Neto and new-signing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde posing a constant threat.
Their early reward came when Neto surged down the left, maneuvered through Liverpool’s defense, and delivered a cross from the byline, finding Hwang, who crisply slotted the ball past goalkeeper Alisson Becker from an angle.
The high-energy home team looked threatening every time they attacked, while Liverpool, missing the suspended Virgil van Dijk and the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, struggled to establish meaningful control.
However, Wolves’ incisive attacking play did not match the quality of their finishing, as they squandered several inviting opportunities to extend their lead.
Defender Craig Dawson headed over from a corner at the back post, and Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha missed a glorious chance in the 34th minute after more excellent work from Neto, mistiming his jump badly.
Liverpool created several chances towards the end of the first half, indicating their attacking prowess.
Klopp introduced Luis Diaz for Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister at halftime, and the Colombian came close to equalizing with a header in the early moments of the second half.
The German manager was preparing to bring on Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez for Gakpo and Diogo Jota, but Gakpo managed to level with his final touch.
Mohamed Salah, who had been relatively quiet, received the ball on the right and delivered a sharp cross into the area, where Gakpo was on hand to tap it home.
Liverpool had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Diaz found Nunez in front of goal, but his shot was saved by Jose Sa.
Klopp’s team continued to press Wolves and seized the lead in the 85th minute when Robertson intercepted a poor clearance from Sa in midfield.
The Scottish defender surged forward, executed a one-two with Salah, and calmly finished from close range.
Liverpool had time for a third goal when Elliott’s shot took a significant deflection off Bueno, leaving Sa with no chance to save it.
