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It was anything but straight-forward as Liverpool beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 last night in the Premier League in perhaps their toughest game of the season. Jurgen Klopp's men took an early lead when Jordan Henderson met an Trent Alexander-Arnold corner to propose that it was business as normal for the Reds. But chances kept falling to the home side and it suggested that the match is far from over.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side showed courage and stubbornness and were rewarded for it when Raul Jimenez scored a beautifully set up goal just minutes after the half-time. Both teams continued making chances and with just six minutes to go, Roberto Firmino struck to claim all three points for Liverpool.
It was another giant step towards the Premier League title as Liverpool are now 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand. Keeping that in mind, let us look at the hits and flops from this hard-fought clash.
#5 Hit: Roberto Firmino
Was made to work really hard for a good performance and that is what he did. Firmino led the line, proving to be Liverpool’s match-winner, as he was against Tottenham recently. Firmino was unable to provide the same spark he usually does initially but grew into the game slowly.
The Brazilian worked hard and linked play effectively as the game progressed. He missed a really good chance but then made amends by scoring the winner and clinching arguably the Reds’ most important three points of the season yet.
All of Firmino's 10 goals this season have come away from Anfield. He has taken the responsibility of scoring the important goals and Klopp would be hoping that the striker continues this form for the rest of the season.
#4 Flop: Andrew Robertson
It is not often that Andrew Robertson disappoints but the last match was one such time. It was a poor showing from the full-back, whose distribution was inconsistent and he was ran ragged throughout the game by Adama Traore. It seemed like a physical mismatch whenever Traore darted forward with the ball at his feet; Robertson didn't find it easy at all.
He was at fault for Jimenez’s goal, committing himself horribly and immediately followed that up by hacking Traore down again to pick up a yellow card on the edge of the box. It is not always easy to come up against someone like Traore but given Roberson's lofty standards, the defender should have done better in the game. His attacking threat was nullified too and all in all, the Scot had a horrid day.
#3 Hit: Adama Traore
Amazing, yet again. Adama Traore has been a revelation this season and has only improved as the season progressed. The winger was everywhere in the game and showcased his mad dribbling skills throughout. At once he even took on five Liverpool players in the middle of the park. Traore was at his explosive best in the second half and was almost untouchable.
Traore showed his pace and strength and also his rapid acceleration and excellent close control against the best side in the league. His cross for Jimenez’s goal was superb and the 23-year-old had plenty of other moments during the game. He ran Robertson ragged for 90 minutes and was Wolves' best player last night.
#2 Flop: Jonny Castro
Like Andrew Robertson, it was a night to forget for Wolves' Jonny Castro too. Wolves are usually rampant down the flanks but their wing-backs were quite wasteful against Liverpool. As reliable as he is on most days, Castro was wasteful in the final third and was struggling to cope with Mohamed Salah.
The defender played extremely high up the field during the game. Wolves play three at the back and the wing-backs play a vital role in their playing style. Both Castro and Matt Doherty had a bad night, with the latter missing a free header too.
Castro contributed very less both defensively and offensively and was one of the very few Wolves players who did not impress in the game.
#1 Hit: Jordan Henderson
It has been a huge couple of months from the Liverpool captain. Jordan Henderson has upped his game in such a way that the Reds have barely missed Fabinho. Henderson was the star of the tough win against Wolves as he grabbed a goal and an provided an assist too.
He was elegant in everything he did. Wolves were pressing high up and making life difficult for most Liverpool players but the captain was calm and composed throughout the 90 minutes. Henderson produced another big moment in an increasingly superb season, heading home the opener before setting up Roberto Firmino for the winner only six minutes before full time.
Some vital challenges in midfield, calm presence and marshalled his troops well from the middle of the park against a strong side. Henderson has gotten better and better as the season has gone on and while all the other players take the limelight in most games, it is about time the world recognizes the full worth of the midfielder.
Also Read: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Liverpool: 3 Talking Points | Premier League 2019-2020
