New Delhi: Overall Anfield atmosphere was tense when Liverpool played Wolves as the title race started to narrow down. It was when the Reds secured the 2-1 win that Anfield was finally alive with relief. With both goals coming in the first half, Liverpool had no attempt on goal in the second half but they managed to concede only once and thwart any comeback the Wolves may have worked for.
In fact, Andy Robertson lifted his hands to gesture to the crowd to calm down after the crowd became irritated with him for playing a ball back to Alisson with just 15 minutes remaining. The left-back later said that this type of nervousness happens to both players and fans but was content with the big result that still kept them seven points ahead of Arsenal, with just 13 games remaining in the competition.
Why Liverpool and Anfield appeared less confident?
Liverpool’s performance against 17th-placed Wolves may not have been the most exciting one. Their two goals were the result of a brilliant finish from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah’s penalty though on the other side of the break, Wolves were playing better than the top-placed Liverpool. This was the first time since 2003-04 that Liverpool had failed to attempt a shot in the second half of a Premier League game. At the end of the game, Anfield’s usual chant about their side being at the top of the table wasn’t chanted with as much enthusiasm as other times.
Arne Slot was delighted with the mental resilience his side displayed in our ‘important’ 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 16, 2025
Still, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was pleased to see that the side could not from different situations of the game and noted that it was a “different mentality” but they still managed to finish on a winning side. Slot felt that while they had won some great encounters in the season, it was needed that they win “difficult ones” even if you are not at your best.
Slot was impressed that they defended well and that was something the side needed more than scoring. Most experts and statistics predict that Liverpool have the best chance of winning the title.
How Liverpool and Arsenal’s upcoming schedule looks?
Liverpool themselves have been in good form, winning four of their last five encounters but it is from here that Liverpool have a heavy schedule with the Reds playing league games every three days until the end of February. Things though will be better from March playing just one league game, a home clash against Southampton. They will be playing the EFL Cup final on March 16th, and play a Champions League final-16 game at the start of the month.
Liverpool’s final game will be against Crystal Palace at home, with everyone hoping that the Reds have the title in their grasp. Many have pointed out that with relentless Manchester City not in pursuit, Liverpool should try to be more relaxed rather than worrying bout previous results where they had faltered in the final stages of the league.
Arsenal are currently unbeaten in their last 15 top-tier games, their longest streak under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners will be playing a game less than Liverpool in February but have one game more in March. Arsenal fans would be hoping that they still are in contention for lifting the title when they play Liverpool in May.
If they manage to get a good result in the game, their next fixture would be against Newcastle at home before they face Southampton for the final game who are most likely to be relegated by that point in time.
With three games in the bank from Wolves, Liverpool now have a tough run, with their next two fixtures being away games against Aston Villa and Manchester City, two very tough opponents. Further, they will be hosting Arsenal towards the end of the season and the only respite is that it will be a home game.
In their final 13 games, Arsenal will have six teams that are in the top six of the points table. With a margin of seven points after 25 games, only once in the Premier has a side not lifted the title after such a feat.
Liverpool’s Premier League drought had ended under Jurgen Klopp after 30 years but they would want to lift it again having come so close on a few occasions. What they know is this is not the time for doubting their capability but to try and get themselves ten points clear on Wednesday.
Facing Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, Liverpool’s 2-1 win was marked with a second half where Liverpool failed to attempt a single shot in the second half of the game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
