Liverpool star Mohamed Salah made up for a big second-half miss as the Egyptian's penalty against Wolves helped to elevate Arne Slot's side to the top of the Premier League. The Reds' 2-1 triumph was their fifth in six top-flight matches, extending their positive start under their new head coach.
Salah scuppered a major opportunity early in the second half but converted a spot-kick after Rayan Ait-Nouri's equaliser. Ibrahima Konate had given Liverpool the lead late in the opening period.
Liverpool were not at their best at Molineux but sent a message to Arsenal and Liverpool that this will not be a two-horse title race. Here are four things Express Sport learned.
Mohamed Salah’s blushes spared
Salah was gifted the perfect opportunity to put daylight between Liverpool and Wolves earlier in the second half. But after Semedo’s wayward backpass left the goal gaping, the Reds star could only divert the ball wide.
Wolves soon equalised through Rayan Ait-Nouri before Semedo once again presented Salah with a chance to make amends. The Portuguese right-back hauled down Diogo Jota in the penalty area as they competed for a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.
Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and Salah stepped up to convert his fourth goal of the season. How he would have wished he had simply scored his easy chance earlier on, though…
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Arne Slot’s big problem
Liverpool might have looked promising during the early months of Arne Slot’s reign, but they are struggling to break down teams who sit deep, including in their only defeat against Nottingham Forest. A better team than Wolves might have won at least a point against this Liverpool performance, which also conceded plenty of scoring opportunities.
Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone made a magnificent save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai from close range but, aside from Konate’s goal, that was all Liverpool created in the first half. Slot’s side scarcely improved in the second period and needed a penalty to win the game.
Unlike Manchester City, Liverpool do not possess a centre-forward capable of scoring 30 goals per season. That could be their undoing if they maintain a Premier League title chase.
Konate’s game of two halves
Ibrahima Konate has cemented his position as Virgil van Dijk’s partner, having displaced Jarell Quansah midway through the opening game of the season. The Frenchman’s goals against AC Milan and here at Wolves prove he is going to be more than just a defensive asset.
The 25-year-old powered home a header in first-half added-time, although Johnstone may feel he should have kept out the effort. But Konate endured a difficult second half and was responsible for Wolves’ equaliser.
Failing to usher the ball out for a goal-kick, Konate was dispossessed close to goal and Ait-Nouri fired home.
A big three points
Liverpool's victory sees them climb to the top of the Premier League, where they will likely remain unless Aston Villa defeat Ipswich by seven goals. Manchester City dropped points again on Saturday, drawing 1-1 with Newcastle, while Arsenal relied on a late flurry of goals to oversee Leicester.
Liverpool might not have been exceptional against Wolves, but if they can continue grinding out three points most weeks, they will be well in the title picture in the latter months of the campaign.
