EPL: Liverpool Survive Wolves Scare to Maintain Title Push

Liverpool restored their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liverpool bolstered their Premier League title aspirations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. This win marked Liverpool's 16th triumph in their last 17 top-flight encounters with Wolves.

Prior to the match, Liverpool had a comfortable cushion in the title race, which might have allowed for a slight misstep. However, securing three points against Wolves was the clear objective. The Reds initiated the match brightly, crafting a prime scoring opportunity within 10 minutes. Unfortunately, Diogo Jota's volley sailed narrowly wide, following a well-orchestrated combination between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

A big win for @LFC, as they take all three points following a determined second-half display from Wolves!#LIVWOL pic.twitter.com/mnxXKmyArR

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 16, 2025

Liverpool eventually secured the lead, albeit under fortunate circumstances. A miscued clearance by Toti Gomes inadvertently found its way to Luis Diaz, who utilized his midriff to bundle the ball home and hand Liverpool the advantage. Diaz continued to pose a significant threat to Wolves, setting up Jota in the area. However, Emmanuel Agbadou's sensational last-ditch block thwarted Jota's attempt.

The first half witnessed relentless Liverpool attacks, making it seem inevitable that they would extend their lead. As anticipated, they scored their second goal shortly before the break. Mohamed Salah successfully converted a penalty after Jose Sa fouled the influential Diaz in the area, granting Liverpool a two-goal cushion.

Matheus Cunha came closest to scoring an equalizer for Wolves, but his promising free-kick ultimately dropped inches wide of the target. The visitors then squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to halve the deficit when Marshall Munetsi broke clear on goal, only to be denied by a crucial save from Alisson.

Wolves narrowly avoided conceding another goal when Alexander-Arnold picked out Mohamed Salah, who slotted the ball home. However, the offside flag intervened, sparing Wolves' blushes. The officials were kept busy throughout the match, and another contentious moment arose just before the hour mark.

Referee Simon Hooper initially pointed to the spot when Diogo Jota went to ground in the area following a wild swing from Agbadou. However, after consulting the pitchside monitor, Hooper overturned his decision. Wolves capitalized on this reprieve, scoring a goal through Matheus Cunha's sensational strike in front of the Kop.

Despite a subpar second-half performance, Liverpool managed to cling on to their one-goal lead and secure a crucial three points in the title race. This victory re-established their seven-point cushion at the top. Conversely, the defeat leaves Wolves hovering just above the relegation zone.