Liverpool survived a shaky second half against Wolves to return to winning ways in the Premier League and restore their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.

Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a scrappy finish, before he was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Jose Sa to allow Mohamed Salah to double their lead from the penalty spot.

Arne Slot’s side - who conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday - were far from convincing and a stunning finish from the excellent Matheus Cunha gave the struggling visitors late hope at Anfield.

But Liverpool held on to seal a first victory in three games, following their FA Cup exit to Plymouth last weekend, and the Reds will have the chance to move 10 points clear when they visit Aston Villa in midweek.

Follow all the reaction from Anfield after Liverpool defeated Wolves 2-1 to continue their title charge

Liverpool vs Wolves LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

• FULL TIME! Anxious Anfield celebrates as Liverpool hold on against Wolves

• Liverpool restore seven-point lead over Arsenal with nervy 2-1 win

• 67' GOAL! Matheus Cunha scores stunner to give Wolves hope (LIV 2-1 WOL)

• 51' NO GOAL! Salah offside after finding net with excellent finish (LIV 2-0 WOL)

• 49' SAVE! Alisson makes big stop to deny Wolves' Munetsi (LIV 2-0 WOL)

• 45' CHANGES! Jarell Quansah replaces Ibrahima Konate after defender escapes red card

• 37' GOAL! Mohamed Salah converts penalty after Diaz fouled (LIV 2-0 WOL)

• 16' GOAL! Diaz bundles in as Liverpool take lead at Anfield (LIV 1-0 WOL)

Liverpool FC 2 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool’s ‘big accomplishment’ in rearguard win over Wolves

17:39 , Richard Jolly

For the second time in five days, Liverpool entered stoppage time below their best but 2-1 up. The finish was different this time, and not merely because rather than losing his temper, Arne Slot gained a seven-point lead at the Premier League summit. On paper, a home win against relegation-threatened Wolves could rank as one of the least impressive victories of their season. As Anfield was engulfed in anxiety, Slot felt it ranked among their most important.

Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool’s ‘big accomplishment’ in rearguard win over Wolves

Slot on winning the Premier League

16:51 , Mike Jones

The Liverpool boss praised his team’s defence and says if they want to win things they need all aspects of their game to be firing.

Slot said: "If you want to achieve something it is not only about bringing the ball out from the back or Mo scoring goals, it is also about defending.

"If you look at the last few seasons it has mostly been a battle between two teams.

“As things stand now it mostly looks like between us and Arsenal. I believe they have a 15-point game unbeaten run and I think at the start of that we were seven points clear of them and we still are now.

“So it tells you how well they are doing but also how well we are doing."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to MOTD:

16:47 , Mike Jones

"It was mentally difficult the second half because we thought we scored the third, then thought we got a penalty, both situations were correctly handed by the referee.

"They got better and better, we got worse and worse. We had to show a different mentality which we did and got it over the line.

"In a season like this we have played so many great games, but in a season you want to win something you have to win the difficult ones as well when you are not playing your best. We were so close on Wednesday, this time we did survive.”

More from Pereira

16:43 , Mike Jones

Vitor Pereira was asked if he was frustrated due to the lack of a yellow card for Konate. He replied: "Yes of course. Second yellow card, red card, less one player, maybe it would be a different game. But I'm not a referee. I'm not there to decide. But in the end, I'm very happy and proud of my players in the second half.

"We cannot play again like we played in the first half. I don't care if it's against Liverpool or another team, it's about my team. I want to see the identity, personality, the courage to play in our way - not to come here and make it a party. Next time, we need to realise that we have quality and we believe in our quality.

"The second half was fantastic,what I remember from the second half is Liverpool had a lot of problems, a lot of difficulties to stop us. If we score the second goal, it was the fair result.

Pereira on if Konate should have been sent off

16:39 , Mike Jones

Pereira told MOTD: "I am not the referee but yes for me.

“What I say now will not change anything but in my opinion the second yellow card should be shown."

Vitor Pereira spoke to MOTD

16:36 , Mike Jones

The Wolves boss said: "We must play the first half as we played the second half, this is what I want to see in my team - the personality, courage and identity - all what I saw in the second half.

"Wolves woke up at half time and played a game not afraid, to play, press and create problems. Even the best players in the world, if you press them they make mistakes. This what we need to do in the future, not in one half but in two halves. Take the risks, play with courage and in our way to play and then I don't care about the result.

"I don't care about the team on the other side, if it is Liverpool or Chelsea, I don't care, I just focus on my team."

'It wasn't calm'

16:31 , Mike Jones

Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports: "It wasn't calm. I would put it down to the previous two results.

“The Everton goal where they scored late and the Plymouth result that knocked them off their rhythm.

"Even at 2-0. I felt it at half-time, it was still a tricky 45 minutes ahead. They managed to hold on.

"Liverpool just needed to get three points. It was a huge win for them, it keeps Arsenal at arm's reach. But there's a long, long way to go. Plenty of twists and turns to come."

A rare feat

16:24 , Mike Jones

Liverpool failed to have a shot in the second half against Wolves.

It was the first time that has happened since 2017.

'We'd love to dominate for 90 minutes' says Van Dijk

16:20 , Mike Jones

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk stopped by BBC MOTD and said: "We'd love to dominate for the full 90 minutes but it is the Premier League and Wolves can punish you and create dangerous moments against you. It says a lot we kept fighting and kept going and got the three points.

"Today showed at times that when we have the ball you can exploit it as well. Cunha was a danger man for them today we had to be aware of. Unfortunately he scored but we kept them to that.

"I definitely give them credit the way they went one v one most of the times and how they found the free man between the lines.

"At times we were sloppy as well and we couldn't keep the ball as well as we can at times."

Tottenham vs Man Utd

16:18 , Mike Jones

There’ll be more reaction to come from Anfield but we are also providing live updates from an intriguing clash in London between Tottenham and Manchester United.

Follow all the live updates right here:

Tottenham vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League team news and updates

Munetsi reacts to Wolves defeat

16:15 , Mike Jones

Wolves forward Marshall Munetsi gave his reaction after the game. He said: "We tried our best. The coach made some changes to put them under pressure, we created a lot of chances and made them uncomfortable.

"In the first half we didn't really cause them a lot of problems but the second half was the identity of the team, this is what the coach wants. This is something we have to keep doing.”

On making his Premier League debut he added: "As you get more chances and opportunities it is good for you as a player but now it is up to me to do my part.”

Stephen Warnock reaction on BBC Radio 5 Live

16:12 , Mike Jones

The former Liverpool defender said: “So many questions were asked of Liverpool.

“There was a frailty in the second half. The substitutions from Vitor Pereira were impressive as they got themselves back into it.

“Liverpool have managed to just get themselves across the line.”

Liverpool were up against it

16:08 , Mike Jones

This is how much the win means to Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool were up against it towards the end of that match.

Liverpool extend lead at top of Premier League

16:05 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are seven points clear of Arsenal once more with 13 matches left to play in the Premier League season.

Arne Slot’s title chasers are ticking off the games as they look to clinch a first league win under the Dutchman.

They survived a Wolves surge in the second half and got themselves over the line.

FT Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

16:01 , Mike Jones

FT Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:58 , Mike Jones

Liverpool restored their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a confident and comfortable victory over Wolves at Anfield.

Needing a response after the chaotic end to the Merseyside derby, Liverpool looked in control from kick off against a Wolves side fighting to avoid relegation.

The visitors seemed to have a solid gameplan early on, but Luis Diaz scored his first goal of 2025 in unorthodox fashion by chesting the ball past Jose Sa after a quick burst into the penalty area. From there the Reds seemed confident and Diaz won a penalty later in the first half, by getting clipped by Sa after going around the goalkeeper, Mo Salah slotted it home to double their lead.

Matheus Cunha shocked the Anfield faithful with a fine curling effort in the second half which set up a tense finish but Liverpool clung on to their lead and got over the line.

Full-time! Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:56 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: There goes the final whistle!

Liverpool take the three points but Wolves made them work for it.

Liverpool’s lead is back to seven points and the Reds get the job done at Anfield.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:55 , Mike Jones

90+6 mins: There’s been a few stoppages and breaks in play meaning the match with go longer than the initial six minutes.

We’re into unknown territory now. Can Liverpol hold out?

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:52 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Tommy Doyle takes the free kick and whacks it straight into the wall.

The ball goes out for a corner that is swung into the box, Liverpool poke it away.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:50 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: Liverpool’s control has evaporated and they are now clinging on to this slim lead.

Dropping more points in such a late stage of the game would probably cause the fans to go into panic mode.

Cunha is fouled right on the edge of the penalty area by Endo.

Big chance for Wolves now.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:49 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play!

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:48 , Mike Jones

88 mins: Wolves aren’t giving this up without a fight and the hosts are resorting to booting the ball long to clear the danger.

There’s plenty of time for Wolves to equalise yet. Endo is fouled by Bellegarde who is annoyed that he didn’t win a free kick first.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:45 , Mike Jones

85 mins: Wolves had built up a bit of momentum that Liverpool halted effectively.

The visitors need to get forward again but there are plenty of men behind the ball for the hosts.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:40 , Mike Jones

82 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes now and Nelson Semedo gives up a free kick for clinging onto Mo Salah and stopping his run.

Liverpool take the free kick and knock it backwards. They’re happy playing the possession game at present.

'It feels a big last 10 minutes for Liverpool'

15:38 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

“It feels a big last 10 minutes for Liverpool.

“They have already drawn 2-2 once this week, already conceded one late equaliser this week.

“There is a seven-point lead waiting for them in the table if they can see this one through.

“Wolves, however, are playing with the belief of a team who think they can get a point.”

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:37 , Mike Jones

79 mins: Liverpool have taken the sting out of the game with controlled possession and slow build-up play.

Wolves aren’t panicking yet. They know they just need time on the ball and they’ll be able to threaten Alisson’s goal again.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:35 , Mike Jones

76 mins: Andy Robertson, and Liverpool, looked annoyed at how this match is going.

Plenty of mistakes are appearing in Liverpool’s play and they can’t get themselves up the pitch.

It’s a struggle for the Premier League leaders at present.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:31 , Mike Jones

73 mins: Wolves are the team playing with confidence now as Liverpool’s facade of control is broken.

Virgil van Dijk gives away a free kick and collects a yellow card.

The set piece is flicked into the box then nodded out to Munetsi.

He looks for the volley but sends the effort high and wide.

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

15:29 , Mike Jones

70 mins: 20 minutes to play at Anfield and suddenly there’s a tense feel to the game for the home fans.

They’ll all remember the late equaliser from James Tarkowski at Goodison Park and won’t be keen for a repeat.

Wataru Endo comes on to replace Luis Diaz.

'Wolves have deserved their goal'

15:28 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

“Wolves have deserved their goal.

“Cunha's talent has been apparent throughout today and Pereira's half-time double change, bringing on Bellegarde and Munetsi, has added to their threat.

“There is some intrigue in the sight of Munetsi running around in attack: the Zimbabwean was described as a midfielder - including by Wolves themselves - when he joined but they are without a fit centre-forward and, but for a fine save by Alisson, he would have scored within five minutes of his Premier League debut.”

GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Wolves (Matheus Cunha, 67')

15:26 , Mike Jones

Bellegarde flicks the ball back to Matheus Cunha just inside the Liverpool penalty area.

Cunha darts to the left and curls a fine effort into the far corner.

Alisson leaps across but can’t reach the ball and Wolves are back in this game.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:25 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Nunez sprays the ball over to Salah on the right and he looks to feed in a sprinting Dominik Szoboszlai.

The pass doesn’t quite make it through to the midfielder and Wolves work the ball clear.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:23 , Mike Jones

64 mins: Wolves have made a substitution as well with Santiago Bueno replacing Emmanuel Agbadou.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:22 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold are taken off by Arne Slot with Liverpool in control of the game.

On come Darwin Nunez and Conor Bradley.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:20 , Mike Jones

59 mins: No penalty!

The verdict is that Agbadou slid past Jota who then nudged the defender and went down.

In any case, Liverpool’s penalty won’t stand. Jota avoids a yellow card for simulation.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:17 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Penalty to Liverpool!

Emmanuel Agbadou is worried after Ryan Gravenberch slides a pass into the box for Diogo Jota.

Jota cuts to the right and is clipped by the defender. Jota goes to ground and the referee points to the spot.

VAR is checking whether the contact is enough for the penalty to be awarded...

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:15 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Arne Slot may face a couple of injury worries as, first Alisson, then Luis Diaz stay down.

Both need minor treatment and are okay to play on but the Liverpool boss won’t want any new injury concerns heading into a crucial period of the season.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:11 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Disallowed!

Trent Alexander-Arnold whips a cross field pass over the top and picks out Mo Salah’s run in behind.

Salah cuts inside then laces a left-footed effort into the back of the net only for the offside flag to go up.

VAR confirms that Salah started his run too soon.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:09 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Save!

Munetsi almost has a goal on his Premier League debut after a superbly threaded pass it sent into the box.

Alisson comes off his line as Munetsi looks to shoot. He rolls the ball to left and hits one but Alisson charges it down.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:07 , Mike Jones

48 mins: The next goal will be crucial for the outcome of this match, especially for Wolves.

If the visitors can score, they’ll have a foothold to mount a comeback but a third goal for Liverpool and that will be curtains.

Wolves have seen a fair bit of possession in the early minutes of this half.

Second half! Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:04 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot and Vitor Pereira both make changes at the break.

Marshal Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are introduced to replace Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes.

For Liverpool, Jarell Quansah replaces Ibrahima Konate.

Wolves kick off the second half.

HT Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

15:00 , Mike Jones

As things stand, Liverpool are moving seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.

Wolves will remain two points above the relegation zone but they’ll have suffered yet another defeat at Anfield.

Let’s see how the second half plays out.

HT Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

14:56 , Mike Jones

Liverpool created 10 shots in the first half with three of them on target.

Luis Diaz has, perhaps, been the stand out with a goal and an assist (via winning the penalty). Diogo Jota has also looked lively for the Reds.

Arne Slot will be pleased.

HT Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

14:52 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

14:48 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: Two goals for Liverpool in the first half at Anfield puts them in control and, as things stand, they’ll be seven points clear of Arsenal once more.

There’s been a few moments of joy for Wolves so this game isn’t done yet. Liverpool need to keep their composure for the second half.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

14:46 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play in the first half.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

14:45 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Liverpool are in complete control and Wolves are growing frustrated.

There’s been a few debatable decisions over fouls that the visitors feel are going against them.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

14:41 , Mike Jones

40 mins: Wolves win themselves a free kick after a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Matheus Cunha.

Wolves want the defender, who’s already on a yellow card, sent off and Emmanuel Agbadou is cautioned for waving an imaginary card at the referee.

Cunha takes the resultant set piece and whips a shot wide of the goal.

GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Wolves (Mo Salah, 37')

14:37 , Mike Jones

Mo Salah steps up for the Reds and slots the ball down the middle.

Sa jumps to his left and that means the ball rattles the back of the net.

Liverpool double their lead.

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:36 , Mike Jones

35 mins: Penalty to Liverpool!

A long ball is sent over the top to Luis Diaz who touches it into the box.

He dabs the ball around Jose Sa who clips the winger and knocks him to the ground.

The referee points to the spot and VAR confirms the on-field decision.

'Konate's caution felt needless'

14:35 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

“After Arne Slot's disciplinary troubles this week, Anfield enjoyed the sight of a manager getting booked for dissent, largely because the manager in question was Vitor Pereira.

“But Ibrahima Konate's caution for kicking the ball away felt needless and puts him on a tightrope.

“Another yellow card and he would be banned for Wednesday's trip to Aston Villa.”

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:33 , Mike Jones

31 mins: Save!

A cross field pass sends the ball over to Luis Diaz who lays it off to Robertson on the overlap.

His cross into the box is good and the initial touch is won by Jose Sa.

Diogo Jota reacts first, wins the ball and checks to the right. He’s got half-a-yard and unleashes a shot that Sa deflects behind with his left leg.

Big moment.

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:28 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Close!

Dominik Szoboszlai dances through the inside right channel and is encouraged to shoot from the fans as he gets to the edge of the box.

He does and sends a shot across goal hoping to sneak it in to the far bottom corner.

The strike is good enough but the accuracy isn’t quite there and the midfielder pulls the ball just wide of the target.

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:26 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Andre floats a free kick into the Liverpool penalty area and finds Toti.

He’s offside but his knockdown is won by the Reds and the referee lets play go on.

Liverpool look to counter but the forward pass has too much on it and bobbles through to Jose Sa.

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:24 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Wow!

Liverpool recover the ball after Pablo Sarabia is tackled. They move it quickly out to Luis Diaz who sweeps forward.

He looks for Mo Salah but Toti Gomes wins the ball in the air.

It drops to Diogo Jota who takes a snap shot but this effort is blocked and Toti is struck on the head and needs a moment after Wolves deal with the danger.

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:22 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Another corner for Liverpool is swung into the box by Mac Allister.

He expertly finds the head of Jota who works his effort over the top of the crossbar.

Jota takes a second it stare after the ball and puffs out his cheeks knowing he really should have hit the target.

Liverpool 1-0 Wolves

14:20 , Mike Jones

18 mins: That goal will settle Liverpool down and build some more confidence in the league leaders.

Vitor Pereira would have been relatively pleased with how Wolves were faring but they’ll need to respond to going behind now.

'An unorthodox way to end a goal drought'

14:18 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

“An unorthodox way for Luis Diaz to end his goal drought.

“His first goal in 11 games came off his chest and perhaps at a cost, with Diaz moving gingerly now.

“But in a game that was shaping up as a contest of attack against defence, it alters the context.”

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Wolves (Luis Diaz, 15')

14:16 , Mike Jones

It’s an awkward one but Liverpool have the lead!

Diogo Jota receives the ball from Alexis Mac Allister and spins towards goal in the middle of the pitch.

He sends it up to Luis Diaz who sprints forward and picks out Mo Salah. Salah tries to return the pass and a flick from Toti sends the ball towards Diaz.

He’s in a race with Jose Sa, beats the goalkeeper, then chests the ball into the back of the net.

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:13 , Mike Jones

13 mins: Goncalo Guedes makes a nice run into the Liverpool box as Wolves thread through a pass.

Alisson is aware enough to smother the danger but it’s a sign that the visitors are willing to get forward and create some chances.

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:12 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Alexis Mac Allister is tasked with taking the second corner of the game for Liverpool.

His delivery is fizzed into the middle of the box where Wolves deal with it.

Liverpool get on the end of the clearance and a chip sends the ball towards Ryan Gravenberch but he’s offside and allows Jose Sa to claim the ball.

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:09 , Mike Jones

9 mins: Alexander-Arnold flicks a cross into the box from the right side of the pitch as Andy Robertson looks to sprint in behind Nelson Semedo.

Semedo gets his head of the ball but only touches it towards Diogo Jota.

Jota shoots on the volley but sends the effort wide of the nearest post.

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:05 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Alexander-Arnold sends a heavy backpass to Alisson who has to scurry to keep it in play. He can’t.

Matheus Cunha trots over and delivers Wolves’ fortuitous corner directly into the six-yard box.

Alisson is there and punches the ball clear.

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:03 , Mike Jones

4 mins: Wolves will hope to strike at Liverpool on the counter attack though they’ll need to be quick in transition.

Liverpool seem confident enough in these early stages to push high with their press.

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:02 , Mike Jones

2 mins: Cheeky!

The corner is played short to Alexis Mac Allister then sent back to Andy Robertson.

He laces a pass into the box where Trent Alexander-Arnold runs onto it and fires a first-time shot wide of the target.

Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Wolves

14:01 , Mike Jones

Ryan Gravenberch gets the ball rolling at Anfield and gives it to Virgil van Dijk.

The captain floats a diagonal ball across to the right side where Diogo Jota wins the aerial challenge.

He nods it down to Mo Salah who wins an early corner.

Liverpool vs Wolves

13:55 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

Liverpool know they need to pick up all three points or else their lead at the top of the table will be cut to four.

Wolves hope to distance themselves from the relegation zone and anything they take from Anfield would be a bonus.

Both teams need points for different reasons. Let’s see how this game plays out.

Kick off is up next...

Will Salah break the assists record?

13:50 , Mike Jones

Mohamed Salah has 14 assists in the Premier League this season, one shy of the Liverpool record set by Steve McManaman in 1995-96 and six short of the overall record of 20, set by Thierry Henry in 2002-03 and Kevin De Bruyne in 2019-20.

Cunha's magic touch

13:45 , Mike Jones

Matheus Cunha has scored 26 goals in all competitions for Wolves since the start of last season, 11 more than anyone else.

Liverpool's eye for goal

13:40 , Mike Jones

Liverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last nine home league fixtures, netting 22 times in total during this run.

In comparison, Wolves have conceded 28 top-flight away goals this season, second only to Leicester prior to the latest round of fixtures.

Pre-match thoughts from Arne Slot

13:37 , Mike Jones

The Liverpool boss told Sky Sports: "I hope next time I will act differently than I did. So the next best thing to do is go inside, calm down and talk to the referee if you want to.

"I hope we as a team take all the accidents that happened in the last six, seven or eight minutes into today's game.

“We take that anger and frustration of what happened there towards this game in a good manner. We are aggressive in a good manner today after what happened in those seven or eight minutes.

"Until now, we have always turned up whether we win or we've - well, we haven't lost that much - but lose or draw.

"In this league, you have to have in every game a reaction. You have to be very aggressive, especially if you face a team like Wolves who are also fighting for something.

"I hope we use the anger and the way we felt in the dressing room in a positive way in this game."

A bad omen for Wolves?

13:35 , Mike Jones

Wolves have lost all seven of their Premier League away matches against sides starting the day top of the table.

'A big day for Diogo Jota'

13:31 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

“A big day for Diogo Jota in two respects. It is a reunion with his former club Wolves and a first Premier League start since October; it has felt as though Arne Slot has not trusted the Portuguese's body when he has been on the bench a lot of late.

“But with Cody Gakpo out, he returns to the side. Slot should be on the touchline, though he may get banned in due course after being charged for his red card at Everton.”

Liverpool expect 'tough game' against Wolves boss Pereira

13:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Arne Slot ahead of facing Wolves at Anfield:

“The new manager [Vítor Pereira] has done a very good job, got some positive results in. So, it's going to be a challenge again on Sunday but that is normal [in the] last part of the season in the best league of the world.

“You can't expect to go out there and have an easy win. It's always going to be a tough one but the players have shown all season they're ready for tough games.”

A chink in the armour?

13:25 , Mike Jones

Liverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their previous four top-flight games at Anfield.

Can Wolves exploit those frailties today?

Wolves more defensively sound

13:20 , Mike Jones

Wolves have kept three clean sheets in eight Premier League fixtures under Vitor Pereira, one more than in their final 33 games under Gary O'Neil.

Arne Slot heaps praise on 'quality' Wolves forward Matheus Cunha

13:15 , Jamie Braidwood

“He's a type of player that I'm referring to when I always say when I compare the leagues that I've worked in and this league. I don't know exactly where Wolves is at the moment – 17th? If you go to the Dutch league and you look at the number 17, there's no player that can play for Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord.

“But Matheus Cunha is a quality player and he has the quality to play for one of the top five teams in England. That is also one of the reasons why it is so much more difficult to win a game against the number 17 in England than to win against the number 17 in Holland.

“Again, we already saw when we played against them with Gary O'Neil they had a very good performance back then as well – he [Cunha] in particular. We know that it's going to be a tough game on Sunday again.”

Leading from the front

13:10 , Mike Jones

Despite conceding a stoppage-time equaliser at Everton in midweek, Liverpool have dropped only six points from winning positions this season, a joint low with Manchester United.

Back-to-back?

13:05 , Mike Jones

Wolves are vying to win back-to-back league matches for the third time this season, having also done so under Gary O'Neil in November and Vitor Pereira in December.

Are Liverpool running out of steam?

13:00 , Mike Jones

Liverpool won 23 of 27 league and cup games under Arne Slot prior to January but have failed to win six of 12 matches since the turn of the year with three draws and three defeats in that time.

Liverpool vs Wolves team changes

12:55 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot has switched out two players from the Liverpool team that lined-up against Everton.

Trent Alexander-Arnold returns at right-back ahead of Conor Bradley while Diogo Jota slots in for the injured Cody Gakpo who misses out on a place in the squad.

Vitor Pereira makes five changes to the Wolves team that defeated Blackburn last time out.

Jose Sa, Matt Doherty, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Andre and Pablo Sarabia all return with Sam Johnstone, Santiago Bueno, Rodrigo Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Hwang Hee-Chan dropping out.

Wolves team to take on Liverpool

12:48 , Mike Jones

Wolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, Toti; Semedo, J.Gomes, Andre, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Cunha, Guedes

Liverpool team to face Wolves

12:46 , Mike Jones

Liverpool XI: Alisson: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz

A poor record at Anfield

12:40 , Mike Jones

Wolves have lost nine of their 10 Premier League games at Anfield, only avoiding defeat in a 1-0 win in December 2010.

Liverpool vs Wolves head-to-head

12:35 , Mike Jones

Liverpool have won 15 of the 16 most recent top-flight meetings, with the exception a 3-0 loss at Molineux in February 2023.

Will they extend that run this afternoon?

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures - Liverpool or Arsenal?

Saturday 15 February 2025 12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

The Premier League is heading towards a frantic title race between Liverpool and Arsenal.

Liverpool remain in a strong position despite the “mayhem” of their Merseyside derby draw against Everton, with the Reds closing in on just a second league title in 35 years in manager Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield.

A calamitous campaign from reigning champions Manchester City looked to have opened the door for last year’s runners-up Arsenal, but the Gunners have endured a difficult season with injuries hitting Mikel Arteta’s squad hard.

There is still plenty of time for Arsenal to hunt Liverpool down, but the title race appears to be entering a decisive stretch of fixtures up until the March international break. It’s been an unpredictable year, so expect further twists and turns before May.

Liverpool’s fixtures compared to Arsenal’s as title race heats up

Arne Slot reveals message to Curtis Jones as Liverpool midfielder faces ban

Saturday 15 February 2025 12:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he would speak with Curtis Jones after he was sent off after the final whistle against Everton, but stopped short of criticising the midfielder by admitting he also made a mistake with his reaction following the Merseyside derby.

“I liked a lot that he [Jones] stood up for the team, but I also think there are other ways for the team and the fans to do that,” Slot said. “I will talk to him about that.

“But it's the same for me. I should have acted differently after the game as well. It is an emotional sport and sometimes individuals with emotions make the wrong decisions. That is definitely what I did."

Wolves are turning around their form

11:57 , Mike Jones

Following a run of four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Wolves ended their bad fortune with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in a midlands derby during their last league outing.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Vitor Pereira’s side maintained their lead until Matheus Cunha secured the points with a second goal late in stoppage time.

Wolves then swept past Balckburn Rovers 2-0 in the FA Cup last time out and come to Anfield hoping to make it three wins from three.

Matheus Cunha’s new contract ‘symbolises his importance’ to Wolves

11:43 , Mike Jones

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs says Matheus Cunha’s new contract “symbolises his importance to us on the pitch”.

The Brazilian signed a deal to stay at Molineux until 2029 in January and will hope to help the club avoid relegation this year.

Hobbs said on the club’s official website: “The new contract is a reward for what Matheus has done, and symbolises his importance to us on the pitch.

“Matheus loves the club, loves the fans and really appreciates the opportunity the club has given him. The fans have taken him under their wing, and he’s loved being here, so it’s been a really positive experience for both sides.

“His talent is undeniable and he’s a real winner. He wants us to achieve our goals now, and when a player of his quality shows he’s with you and up for the fight, it’s a big lift for everyone.”

Arne Slot charged after Merseyside derby red card but will be in dugout for Wolves clash

11:29 , Mike Jones

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff have both been charged by the Football Association (FA) for being abusive to match officials in Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

Both clubs have also been charged with their players and/or technical area occupants behaving in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle after a scuffle broke out which led to Curtis Jones and Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure being sent off.

Arne Slot charged after red card but will be in dugout for Wolves clash

Premier League state of play

11:14 , Mike Jones

Liverpool come into today’s match sitting top of the Premier League table with 57 points from their 24 matches so far.

They will end the weekend on top but their lead over second placed Arsenal will have been cut to four points if they lose to Wolves at Anfield today.

Victory sends them seven points ahead of the Gunners and 10 points clear of third placed Nottingham Forest. Should Arne Slot’s men triumph they are one step closer to lifting the trophy.

For Wolves, they have a chance to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Defeat for Leicester and a draw for Ipswich yesterday mean the midlands club are just two points above the drop zone though they could extend that to five if they provide a shock at Anfield.

Arne Slot praises 'mentally strong' Liverpool after Everton draw

Saturday 15 February 2025 11:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Leaders Liverpool missed out on the chance to move nine points clear of Arsenal on Wednesday night, but Arne lot said he took pride in how his side stood up to the test of facing Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park to extend their lead over the Gunners in the title race.

Liverpool had lost their previous visit to Everton in April 2024, in a defeat that spelled the end of their title challenge under Jurgen Klopp, and Slot added that he was growth from his team and says they were “mentally much stronger” than last season.

"It felt immediately after the referee blew his whistle that we lost two points,” Slot said. “But during the 98 minutes, I didn't feel constantly that we were going to win the game. It felt like an equal game and the draw would've been a fair result. But with us leading after 96 minutes, we felt we were close to winning the game.

"But we won a lot on Wednesday as well, and what I mean by that is, when you look at the togetherness of the fans and the players and how much we fought together to get the result. We have been praised so many times this season for how well they can play, but the players showed a different side of themselves.”

Arne Slot on red card: ‘The emotions got the better of me’

Saturday 15 February 2025 11:15 , Jamie Braidwood

“I think what happened was the extra time ended up being eight, it happens a lot, the emotions got the better of me, if I look back I would love to do it differently. There is an ongoing process and I will respect that

“Many things happened in extra time that led to me being quite emotional. There was a VAR review for two minutes and I thought, maybe the only thing that could happen is he looks back at the foul, or maybe it’s offside. Of course then, after 10 minutes you hear there fans cheering and you [realise] it’s not offside.

“So many things happened in extra time but as I said it would not be smart to go into every incident.”

Slot to respect 'disciplinary process' after Everton red card

10:28 , Mike Jones

“I won’t go into details,” Arne Slot said on Friday about the circumstances after the Merseyside derby which saw him pick up a red card following the conclusion of the game.

“I think what happened was the extra time ended up being eight, it happens a lot, the emotions got the better of me, if I look back I would love to do it differently.

“There is an ongoing process and I will respect that.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot explains red card against Everton

10:12 , Mike Jones

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted the emotions of the Merseyside derby got the better of him but would not go into details of his red card against Everton on Wednesday night.

Slot was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after the final whistle following an intense hand shake, with the Liverpool manager furious at James Tarkowski’s equaliser coming after the 97th minute.

Only five minutes of added time had been signalled as Liverpool looked to close out victory at Goodison Park, and the Dutchman indicated that he sought an explanation for why the game continued.

Arne Slot explains red card against Everton: ‘The emotions got the better of me’

Arne Slot provides Liverpool injury update

09:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Arne Slot when giving Liverpool’s latest team news on Friday.

"We saw Trent, of course, being able to play,” Slot said. “It was the intention to play around half an hour, I think he played somewhere around half an hour, so he will be training with us again.

“Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton is out. Cody is a bit of a doubt as well, so let's wait how he is. I had to take him off because of an injury, because he got a knock, so let's see how he is."

Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool streak in doubt

09:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is a doubt to face Wolves on Sunday after picking up a knock in the 2-2 draw against Everton in midweek.

The in-form Dutchman has scored in his last seven appearances at Anfield but was forced off in the 69th minute of the Merseyside derby.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could start after returning from injury against Everton but Joe Gomez is out and Curtis Jones is suspended following his red card at Goodison.

What is the Wolves team news?

09:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Wolves’ Jorge Strand Larsen could return after missing match versus Villa though he was excluded from the FA Cup squad against Blackburn as well with a muscle injury. Joao Gomes was suspended for the Villa game but is free to play again and defender Toti is getting back to match fitness. Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez and Sasa Kalajdzic remain long-term injuries.

What is the Liverpool team news?

09:15 , Mike Jones

Curtis Jones will miss the match following his red card against Everton and Arne Slot should be unable to lead the team from the touchline.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made a second half appearance in the derby and could be fit enough to start following a recent knock, but Cody Gakpo is a doubt after he was forced off against Everton with a knock.

How can I watch the match?

09:10 , Mike Jones

The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting at 1pm.

If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass to watch without a subscription.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website