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Fueled by the arrival of their new signing, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and the dynamic Pedro Neto, Wolves surged ahead in the game just seven minutes in, courtesy of a splendid solo effort from Neto.
The first half was largely dominated by Wolves, who, despite their dominance, squandered several golden opportunities to extend their lead. It wasn’t until the 55th minute that Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool.
During the second half, Liverpool took control, dictating play for most of the duration, and their persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when Andy Robertson arrived in the box to slot home the go-ahead goal.
To compound Wolves’ defeat, substitute Harvey Elliott added a third goal in injury time, sealing their fate.
Match Analysis
Gary O’Neil implemented two changes to his squad and shifted to a 4-3-3 formation. Bellegarde made his debut, partnering with Hwang, while Pablo Sarabia and Fabio Silva were relegated to the bench.
Liverpool faced the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, and 20-year-old center-back Jarell Quansah made his first start for the club.
Wolves, led by Bellegarde, initiated the game with high pressure tactics that pushed Liverpool on the back foot. However, the breakthrough came from a mesmerizing solo run by Neto, who eluded Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to deliver a low cross. Hwang capitalized on it, slotting the ball home at the far post.
Wolves continued to press Liverpool in the early stages, with Neto and Bellegarde coming close to doubling the lead.
Liverpool gradually settled into the game after withstanding Wolves’ onslaught, enjoying more possession. Nevertheless, the home side defended resolutely, looking for opportunities to counter-attack, with Neto posing a constant threat.
Wolves responded with a spell of pressure and squandered a chance to make it 2-0 with a free header. Neto outfoxed Gomez and provided a cross for Matheus Cunha, but his mistimed jump allowed the ball to bounce off his chest and to safety.
Gakpo had a couple of chances for Liverpool, and a dropped cross by Jose Sa presented Mohamed Salah with an opportunity. Mario Lemina executed an exceptional block, followed by a fine save from Sa on the rebound.
Despite that opportunity, Wolves deservedly held a 1-0 lead as they headed into halftime.
Liverpool began the second half with a relentless offensive, pinning Wolves back. They eventually found their equalizer as Salah delivered a low cross from the right, allowing Gakpo to finish at the far post.
The visitors continued to dominate, and Max Kilman made a crucial block to deny Darwin Nunez a certain goal as Wolves clung to a draw.
In the 77th minute, O’Neil introduced Tommy Doyle for his debut, along with Boubacar Traore, as Wolves aimed to regain control in midfield.
Liverpool’s sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 85th minute when Salah once again delivered a low cross from the right. Robertson made a sneaky move inside to score beyond Sa, who failed to cover his near post effectively.
Elliott then put the final nail in the coffin, making it 3-1 with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box during injury time, adding insult to injury for Wolves.
As the final minutes ticked away, Wolves appeared deflated, awaiting the inevitable final whistle that confirmed their fourth loss in the first five league games.
Key Moments
- 7′ GOAL: Hwang gives Wolves the lead.
- 55′ GOAL: Gakpo equalizes for Liverpool.
- 85′ GOAL: Robertson secures the victory for Liverpool.
- 91′ GOAL: Elliott extends Liverpool’s lead.
Teams
Wolves: Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri (H.Bueno, 65), Gomes, Lemina (Traore, 77), Bellegarde (Doyle, 77), Neto, Cunha (Silva, 60), Hwang (Doherty, 60).
Subs not used: Bentley, Toti, Sarabia, Kalajdzic.
Liverpool: Alisson, Gomez, Matip, Quansah (Konate, 82), Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister (Diaz, 45), Jones, Salah (Gravenberch, 93), Jota (Elliott, 56), Gakpo (Nunez, 56).
Subs not used: Kelleher, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Endo.