Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) at Anfield on Sunday, keeping their Premier League title dreams alive. In a tense match filled with twists, Mohamed Salah’s 85th-minute winner sent the home crowd into wild celebrations. The result leaves Liverpool two points behind league leaders Manchester City with one game remaining.
First Half: Wolves Shock Anfield
Wolves, fighting to finish in the top half of the table, stunned Liverpool early. Portuguese winger Pedro Neto broke through Liverpool’s defense in the 12th minute. A quick counter-attack saw Neto curl a low shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Anfield fell silent as Wolves took a 1-0 lead.
Liverpool struggled to respond initially. Wolves’ compact defense frustrated the Reds’ attackers. Darwin Núñez missed a close-range header in the 21st minute, while Salah’s angled shot was saved by Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá. The visitors nearly doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Matheus Cunha’s strike hit the post.
Second Half: Liverpool Fight Back
The second half began with Liverpool pressing aggressively. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross found Cody Gakpo, whose volley was blocked. The equalizer came in the 58th minute. A clever pass from Dominik Szoboszlai released Núñez, who slotted the ball past Sá. The goal ignited the crowd, with Liverpool pushing for a second.
Wolves refused to sit back. Neto and Cunha threatened on the counter, but Alissen made crucial saves. In the 72nd minute, Liverpool fans erupted when Salah’s goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check. Tensions rose as both teams battled for control.
Late Drama: Salah Seals the Win
With time running out, Liverpool’s pressure paid off. Substitute Harvey Elliott dribbled past two defenders and passed to Salah. The Egyptian star fired a powerful shot into the top corner, making it 2-1. Wolves protested for a foul in the buildup, but the goal stood.
Wolves nearly equalized in stoppage time. Defender Max Kilman’s header was cleared off the line by Virgil van Dijk, securing Liverpool’s vital win.
Post-Match Reactions
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised his team’s resilience. “We showed big heart today. Wolves made it very tough, but the players never gave up. We’re still in this title race,” he said.
Wolves’ manager Gary O’Neil expressed pride in his squad. “The players gave everything. We deserved a point, but that’s football. We’ll aim to finish strong next week,” he stated.
League Implications
Liverpool’s win puts them at 85 points, trailing Manchester City (87 points). The Reds must beat Southampton in their final match and hope City drop points against Aston Villa. Wolves remain 10th with 49 points, their highest finish since 2019-20.
Key Performers
Salah’s late heroics earned him Man of the Match. Van Dijk’s defensive leadership and Alisson’s saves were crucial. For Wolves, Neto’s pace and Sá’s seven saves stood out.
What’s Next?
Liverpool travels to Southampton on May 18. Wolves host Everton the same day. The title race and relegation battle will conclude in a dramatic final round.
Fan Reactions
Over 53,000 fans attended Anfield, creating an electric atmosphere. “This team never quits. We believe until the end!” said Liverpool supporter Maria Thompson. Wolves fan David Cole added, “Proud of the boys. They’ve come a long way this season.”
Controversy Check
Wolves’ staff criticized the referee for allowing Salah’s winner, claiming Elliott fouled Rayan Aït-Nouri. However, VAR upheld the decision, sparking debates online.
Injury Concerns
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones limped off late with a hamstring issue. Klopp confirmed he’ll undergo scans but remains hopeful for the final match.
With one week left, Liverpool’s title fate hangs in the balance. Fans worldwide await what could be a historic finale to the 2024-25 Premier League season.
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