The Reds grinded out a win that will please supporters (three points from any game is as good as it gets), but also leave them with questions and concerns about the manner of victory.
Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez led the way for Liverpool with first half goals. Steven Fletcher's goal one minute after the break set up a thrilling second half. Both sides pressed and attacked, creating chances at both ends.That the hosts weren't firmly in control of the game against a nominally weaker team must be a source of concern for the team and its faithful supporters.
Adam's goal (officially scored as an own goal for Wolves' Roger Johnson, but we'll credit the Scotsman for his effort) was the result of a fortunate deflection off the defender. Andy Carroll pushed him down during an aerial duel and the clearing header fell to Jose Enrique. The Spanish fullback slipped a pass to Adam, who hit his shot toward goal. The ball caromed off the recovering Johnson and got past goalkeeper Wayne Henessey.
As was the case in Wednesday's 2-1 Carling Cup win over Brighton, the Reds took firm control of the game after the early goal. Their passing improved since the loss to Tottenham a week ago, and Wolves barely posed a threat to the LFC defense.
But on Saturday, Liverpool had a maddening habit of committing fouls deep in its own end, and Wolves' chances on goal were mainly confined to these occurrences. A set-piece routine at the top of the LFC penalty area led to Richard Stearman's 35th-minute shot. His well-struck ball was heading for goal, but Lucas was positioned in the way and was able to block it before it reached the open part of Pepe Reina's goal.
Suarez doubled the lead three minutes later. Enrique, who has drawn acclaim for his fine performances so far in his Liverpool career, sent a through-ball over the top from his own half. Suarez timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap. He arrived in the Wolves area with the ball and was immediately closed down by defender Christophe Berra.
The Uruguayan's bamboozling of the defender set up a goal that will go down in LFC folklore. He opened space for himself by faking to his right, momentarily losing Berra by cutting back to his left foot, then striking it superbly past Wayne Hennessey.
The two-goal lead at halftime must have caused a rush of good feeling at Anfield, but it would not last long. Wolves manager Mick McCarthy made a double substitution at halftime that paid immediate dividends.
Fletcher scored in the 46th minute after Stephen Hunt pounced on a deflected cross by teammate Karl Henry. Hunt took it to the byline and reversed it back to Fletcher near the spot. The 24-year-old powered the shot past Reina and lurking defenders.
Liverpool responded almost immediately, when Suarez drew a save from Hennesey and Carroll hit the post with a header. Adam drew another save from the active Wolves keeper minutes later.
The number of chances Liverpool created masked the fact that Wolves were growing into the game for most of the second half. Their pressure was causing Liverpool players to lose balls they would otherwise hold and misplace passes they normally complete. Chances aside, Wolves were equal to their hosts for the better part of a half hour in the second stanza.
A pattern is starting to emerge with this unit's performances. Nervy opening moments lead to a settled and confident first half. The Reds hold the advantage in play, create chances and don't finish them all. Their opponents adjust and compete with them on equal footing in the second half.
Steve Gerrard's homecoming from injury provided a welcome respite from the visitors' pressure. His 81st-minute substitution was met with a wall off applause and song. He almost returned the favor with a goal. His 25-yard shot missed the target, but it was a reminder of the added dimension he brings to the team. The captain is a world-class player with world-class ideas.
The Reds held onto the lead and closed out the game without further incident.
"I think we deserved three points although it was difficult at times," Kenny Dalglish said after the game. "They put us under a bit of pressure in the first half, but we went 2-0 up. They scored early in the second half which gave them a bit of momentum…Overall we deserved to win."
Liverpool took the deserved and expected three points. The Reds were not at their best against Wolves but won. This is a sign of good team, the old adage goes. However, weeks have gone by since they have given supporters a top performance over 90 minutes, and the question remains: how good is this team?
The answer will begin to reveal itself in upcoming matches at Everton and at home with Manchester United.
