Liverpool endured a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday, as a stoppage-time goal from Andre handed the Premier League’s bottom-placed side a sensational victory. The defeat added another chapter to what has been a challenging season for Liverpool, who struggled to maintain their composure in the closing moments of the match. Despite Mohamed Salah’s equalizer, which ended his long goal drought in the league, the Reds were ultimately undone by Wolves’ late surge.
The match began with Liverpool appearing sluggish, and it wasn’t until the final stages that the visitors found their rhythm. Wolves took the lead in the 78th minute through Rodrigo Gomes, who capitalized on a clever pass from Tolu Arokodare after a physical tussle with Virgil van Dijk. Gomes showed great composure to evade Ibrahima Konate and slot the ball past Alisson Becker, putting Wolves ahead in front of their home crowd. This goal was a testament to Wolves’ resilience despite their precarious position at the bottom of the table.
However, Liverpool responded quickly. In the 83rd minute, a costly error from Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde allowed Salah to intercept a poor pass. The Egyptian forward seized the opportunity, racing into the box and firing a shot that slipped past Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa, leveling the score and briefly reigniting hope for the visitors. This goal marked Salah’s first in the Premier League since November, ending a frustrating dry spell for the club’s star striker.
Yet, Liverpool’s defensive frailties were exposed once again in the dying moments. Just four minutes into stoppage time, Andre pounced on a weak clearance from Alisson. His powerful shot deflected off defender Joe Gomez and looped over the goalkeeper, sealing a dramatic and unexpected victory for Wolves. The goal sparked wild celebrations from Wolves’ manager Rob Edwards, while Liverpool’s coach Arne Slot was left visibly dejected on the sidelines. This defeat was particularly painful as it marked the first time since 2017 that the Premier League’s bottom club had defeated the reigning champions, a rare feat previously achieved only by Crystal Palace against Chelsea.
Liverpool’s struggles in the final minutes of games have been a recurring theme this season. The Reds have conceded 14 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, including five goals scored in the 90th minute or later, the highest tally for any team in a single Premier League season. This vulnerability has raised serious concerns about their defensive organization and concentration during critical moments. Currently sitting fifth in the league standings, Liverpool’s hopes of securing a spot in next season’s Champions League have taken a significant hit. With Chelsea positioned sixth, a win against Aston Villa on Wednesday would see the London club leapfrog Liverpool, intensifying the battle for European qualification.
Following the loss, Slot acknowledged the disappointing result and the pattern of conceding late goals. He lamented the team’s inability to close out matches, pointing out that all three of Liverpool’s defeats in the last 22 games have come during added time. This defeat also raises questions about Slot’s future at Anfield, as fans and analysts alike scrutinize the team’s inconsistent performances and tactical approach.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will have a chance to seek revenge when they return to Molineux for the FA Cup fifth round clash on Friday. This fixture offers an immediate opportunity to overturn the disappointment of Tuesday’s league encounter. Meanwhile, the match was also marked by a poignant moment of remembrance. Both Wolves and Liverpool supporters united in a heartfelt applause on the 18th minute to honor Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward who wore the number 18 shirt during his time at Wolves before moving to Liverpool. Jota tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain last year, and this tribute underscored the deep connection between the two clubs.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Everton ended a poor run of home form with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Goodison Park. This win, their first in eight home league matches, was boosted by a powerful header from James Tarkowski and a composed finish by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Everton’s triumph pushes Burnley closer to the relegation zone, with the latter now eight points adrift of safety and facing a tough road ahead with just nine games remaining.
In other fixtures, Sunderland secured a narrow 1-0 win against Leeds United thanks to a penalty converted by Habib Diarra. This marked Sunderland’s first Premier League visit to Elland Road since 2002, making the victory all the more significant. Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Brentford played out a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium, a result that did little to boost either side’s aspirations for European competition next season.
