By: Shane Brennan & Dan Clubbe
It threatened to be groundhog day all over again as Liverpool took on Wolverhampton Wanderers for the fourth time this season!
Following a recent stuttering FA Cup encounter in Merseyside and a humbling league defeat at Molineux, this time the Reds managed to overcome their familiar opponents in what was a significant step in a top-four pursuit and the ideal way to start an Anfield doubleheader that sees arch-rivals Manchester United head to L4 on Sunday…
Despite a slow start to proceedings, Jurgen Klopp’s side never truly relented throughout and a tireless midfield effort from young duo Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic, ably backed up by a returning to form Fabinho, allowed both the front and backline to enjoy their night’s work.
Albeit lacking in clear-cut chances, Liverpool dominated proceedings and after seeing a goal chalked off for a Diogo Jota foul, captain for the night Virgil van Dijk steered a close-range header home in front of the Kop before Mohamed Salah reached the 20-goal landmark for a sixth consecutive campaign since arriving on Merseyside.
Here is how we rated the players on a good night for the Mighty Reds at Anfield…
Alisson Becker 7 – A welcome quiet evening for the Brazilian. Started off the move for the second goal with a pinpoint pass.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8 – Much more like it from every single facet of his game. Perhaps not as adventurous in attack as usual but still provided enough ammunition to keep the visitors honest!
Ibrahima Konate 7 – Just makes me feel safe. Hasn’t perhaps had the season we’d hoped – primarily due to injury – but there can be no doubting his ability and the influence he has on Van Dijk’s performance.
Kostas Tsimikas 8 – High-quality display from a lesser-seen member of Klopp’s ranks. A timely reminder of his ability and deservedly claimed the assist for Salah’s goal.
Virgil van Dijk 9 (MOTM) – Boss. Imperious at the back and opens the scoring. Undoubtedly happier with big Ibou alongside him but rubbing shoulders alongside the world’s best this week seems to have jogged his memory about just how wonderful a footballer he truly is.
See how Ste rated the Reds during The LFC Fan Interactive Show
Stefan Bajcetic 8 – Another high-level display from a player who continues to defy conventional wisdom. Showed maturity beyond his years to stop himself from crossing the line having been booked early on. It’s like watching an amalgamation of all my favourite Liverpool midfielders from down the years rolled into one – joyous.
Fabinho 8 – Winning tackles? In the opposition half? I remember that guy! Not perfect Fab from seasons gone by – yet – but so much more like it from a player whose form remains pivotal to Liverpool’s chances of a top-four finish. Get even a 90% full power mode Lighthouse back and it could suddenly become a cakewalk…
Harvey Elliott 6 – Squandered the clearest moments in front of goal in the first half but was always a threat. Can see how much each and every appearance means to him!
Diogo Jota 6 – Clearly still rusty from a lack of action but more minutes in the legs and very unfortunate not to inspire the opening goal!
Darwin Nunez 7 – Just a menace, if there was ever a footballer that epitomised us as a club and a fanbase, it’s Darwin! Unlucky not to score the opener in what was a well-taken finish.
Mohamed Salah 8 – Nicely taken finish to grab his 20th of the campaign. Ran down a few cul-de-sacs early on more in hope than expectation but who cares about all that stuff now?!?
Subs:
James Milner N/A – Minutes in the dying embers.
Roberto Firmino N/A – More time back on the pitch. Remains crucial as the season run-in approaches.
Jordan Henderson 6 – Nice and steady, the skipper managed to hold things together brilliantly, as he helped his side see out a hard-fought victory.
Cody Gakpo 7 – Instant impact from the Dutchman as he became a connector with a delicious one-two with Tsimikas to set the Greek Scouser on his way for the second.
Conclusion:
Positivity all around really, it was a convincing victory, another clean sheet, and a really gritty determined performance against a Wolves side that tried every trick in the book to get yet another result against Liverpool this season.
Manchester United next…
