Player ratings as Reds secure spot at the top of the table

Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League table after securing a 2-1 win over a hungry Wolverhampton Wanderers side, who are still in search of their first win of the campaign.

It was a mixed night for the Reds, who netted two goals despite struggling to get into the game at points. A penalty from Mohamed Salah saw them take all three points from the clash, climbing to the top of the league while Wolves slump at the bottom.

How the game unfolded

It was a slow start for both teams down at Molineux while Liverpool’s relentless pressing failed to thread anything through Wolves’ wide back line. It was the hosts who looked most likely to steal an early effort, firing optimistic chances towards Alisson on his return to action.

Sam Johnstone made light work of any attempts from Liverpool, making a remarkable save to prevent Dominik Szoboszlai from earning the first goal of the game.

The Reds finally made a breakthrough just ahead of the break as Ibrahima Konate reacted to a cross from Diogo Jota to nod the ball into the back of the net. Johnstone did his best to reach it, but is unable to block the visitors as they make it 1-0.

Mohamed Salah came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead when play resumed. He fired a strong shot towards the box after a clumsy pass from Mario Lemina, just missing the post and failing to strengthen his side’s deficit.

Then, as if from nowhere, Jorgen Strand Larsen chased Konate who foolishly allowed the Wolves striker to steal possession in the box. Strand Larsen scrambled the ball towards the goal before Rayan Ait-Nouri arrived to tap it home.

Wolves’ celebrations did not last long though, as Liverpool were awarded a penalty just minutes after following a dispute between Jota and Nelson Semedo. Salah, keen to improve on his earlier miss, stepped up and fired the ball into the bottom corner with ease.

The game seemed to slow once the Reds had regained their lead, with neither side finding the chance to add to the scoreline. The full-time whistle saw the visitors rise to the top of the table, whilst Wolves were forced to sink to the bottom.

GK: Sam Johnstone – 6/10 – Johnstone made some seriously good saves to stop Liverpool from attacking early on. He struggled with the Reds’ first goal and had no chance of stopping Salah.

RB: Nelson Semedo – 4/10 – Could’ve been an excellent performance in defence for Semedo who silenced Andy Robertson on numerous…