• 30 Sep, 2024
• Tobi Sangotola
• No comment

Liverpool Tops EPL Table with 2-1 Win Over Wolves

Konate scores first Premier League goal; Salah secures victory with penalty

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table after a 2-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, now have 15 points from six matches, putting them one point ahead of both Manchester City and Arsenal. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton remains at the bottom of the table, with just one point to their name.

Konate and Salah Deliver for Liverpool

Defender Ibrahima Konate scored his first-ever Premier League goal in first-half injury time, heading in a precise cross from Diogo Jota. Konate’s goal gave Liverpool a crucial advantage going into the break, as they looked to assert their dominance at the top of the table.

However, Wolves capitalized on a momentary lapse from Konate to level the score in the 56th minute. The French defender misjudged a ball near the goal line, allowing Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen to keep it in play. Rayan Aït-Nouri seized the opportunity, tapping in from close range to bring Wolves back into the game.

Just five minutes later, Liverpool responded. A foul by Wolves defender Nelson Semedo on Jota in the penalty area led to Mohamed Salah coolly converting from the spot, sending goalkeeper Sam Johnstone the wrong way. The goal put Liverpool back in front and silenced the Molineux crowd.

Slot Cautious Despite Top Spot

After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was pleased but remained measured in his response to the early success.

“Feels good (to be top), you want to be up there but it doesn’t tell me that much at the moment,” Slot told *Sky Sports*. “If you look at Wolves, they are down in the table but played much better than that today. After 19 games, it’ll tell me something, but not after six.”

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai Shine for the Reds

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch continued his strong start to the season, putting in an impressive display. After the game, the Dutchman spoke about his ambitions and his delight at the trust shown in him by Slot.

“I think a team like Liverpool has to be in the top four for sure; we keep pushing, we keep pushing, but it’s really early,” Gravenberch told *Sky Sports*. “This season I wanted to show myself again and I am really happy. He (Slot) put me in the starting 11 and gave me a lot of confidence.”

Dominik Szoboszlai, another standout performer for Liverpool, had a brilliant chance to score in the first half. However, his point-blank effort was denied by Johnstone after connecting with a cross from Andy Robertson.

Late Chances and Table Implications

Liverpool pressed for a third goal in the dying minutes of the match, with Konate narrowly missing another header from a corner and Curtis Jones having a low shot saved by Johnstone after a neat exchange with Salah.

Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table could be short-lived, as Aston Villa have the chance to join them on points on Sunday with a win at Ipswich Town. Villa trails Liverpool on goal difference, 10-3, but a victory would see them match the Reds’ point tally.