Wolverhampton Wanderers – Liverpool: Firmino Magic Rescues Liverpool from Unstoppable Adama Traoré (1-2)

In a match that featured plenty of chances but very little fluidity, Roberto Firmino’s 84th minute strike proved the difference as Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool emerged as the winners after a testing battle against Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers. Molineux has made a name for itself as one of the toughest away grounds for a top six side to visit, and it proved the case once again as the home side completely disrupted the patient possession play of the league leaders.
Tactical analysis by Manasvin Andra.

Liverpool arrived at Molineux with the chance to go sixteen points clear if they secured victory against Espírito Santo’s Wolves, but this was easier said than done given that the home side had Raúl Jiménez and Adama Traoré in its ranks. The match was a scrappy yet exhilarating affair with chances for both teams, as Wolves were able to overwhelm Liverpool despite it being their fortieth game across all competitions.

A scrappy first half
Wolves lined up in the 3-5-2 shape that has become customary under Espírito Santo, with Romain Saïss, Conor Coady and Leander Dendoncker lining up as the center-backs and Matt Doherty and Jonny Castro joining them as wing-backs. Ahead of them were João Moutinho and Rúben Neves who sat in a double pivot, 4-2-3-1 is one of the most frequently occurring formations in football. The two most defensive midfielders are called a ‘double pivot’. with Pedro Neto as the offensive midfielder behind the striker combination of Raúl Jiménez and Adama Traoré.

Wolves’ usual buildup pattern involves the . . .