Liverpool left it late once again as Jürgen Klopp’s side fought back to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
A dismal first-half performance left the Reds trailing at the break, with Hwang Hee-chan opening the scoring early on for the hosts.
However, goals from Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson turned the game around after the interval, before Harvey Elliott’s wayward effort deflected in off Wolves defender Hugo Bueno to seal the three points in stoppage time.
The win temporarily takes Liverpool to the top of the table, maintaining their unbeaten start to the new season.
In a game not short of action, here are the five main talking points from this afternoon’s contest at Molineux.
1) MISGUIDED MIDFIELD SELECTION
It quickly became apparent that Jürgen Klopp had made an error with his team selection this afternoon. Liverpool were overrun in midfield during the first half, unable to cope with Wolves’ high press.
A man who particularly struggled was Alexis Mac Allister who, assuming the holding midfield role, failed to hold back the tide as the likes of Matheus Cunha and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde threatened to take the game out of Liverpool’s reach.
The Argentinian was unsurprisingly subbed off at the break, leading to a drastic tactical shift from Klopp that paid dividends in the second half.
Nevertheless, it did seem that a traditional ‘number six’ – like Wataru Endo or Stefan Bajcetic – should have been in the starting XI for the Reds to adequately deal with Wolves’ early pressure.
A mistake that will hopefully be avoided against similar opposition in the future.
2) QUANSAH SERIOUSLY IMPRESSES
For the majority of Reds’ players, today’s game was one of two halves. Not for Jarell Quansah, though.
In a testing first half, Quansah led by example in a shaky Liverpool back line, defending on the front foot to keep Wolves at bay.
He then put in a truly assured performance after the break, with his defensive contributions being of great importance as the Reds turned the game around at the other end.
On his full debut for the club, the 20-year-old managed to outclass his more senior colleagues, offering consistent stability before being substituted.
All signs are showing that Quansah could well be the future of Liverpool’s defence. Remember the name.
3) SOUTH AMERICAN GAME-CHANGERS
It was understandable that Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez didn’t start today’s matchup, given the fact they’d only just returned from international duty in South America.
However, after an incredibly poor attacking showing in the first half, it was clear that their services were required.
The attacking pair instantly changed the game for Liverpool, providing much-needed threat and impetus going forward.
While they may be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet, their movement and link-up play caused the Wolves defence an abundance of problems, helping Liverpool to get a foothold in the game.
Díaz in particular proved vital as the Reds looked to flip the game on its head, continuing his fantastic start to the season with another electrifying display.
The presence of both Díaz and Núñez was sorely missed for 45 minutes – surely they’ll be back in the starting XI next week.
4) SZOBOSZLAI STILL STARRING
Any excuse to talk about our new favourite Hungarian.
Dominik Szoboszlai is the gift that just keeps on giving for Liverpool, and the midfielder put in yet another strong performance this afternoon.
After a tricky first few minutes, Szoboszlai grew into the game, taking responsibility during Liverpool’s time of need.
He exhibited composure when on the ball, as well as showing some much-needed vigour in the second half, pushing the Reds forward as they looked for a winner.
With every game that goes by, he looks like an even better signing.
5) MO SALAH, THE CREATOR
Mohamed Salah is used to bagging goals, but against Wolves, assists were the name of the game for the Egyptian.
Creating all three of Liverpool’s goals, Salah was sensational in the second half, helping lead the charge as the Reds overturned their one-goal deficit.
The pick (or pass) of the bunch had to be for the all-important second goal – Salah delightfully linked up with Andy Robertson, slotting him in behind for the Scotsman score five minutes from time.
Salah continues to prove why £150m was never going to be enough to sanction an Anfield exit this summer.
