Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

Liverpool resisted a second-half fightback from Wolves to secure a hard-fought victory in the Premier League.

Kenny Dalglish's side led in the 11th minute when Charlie Adam's shot was headed in by Roger Johnson beyond his own goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

It was 2-0 after 38 minutes as Jose Enrique's long ball over the top was fired in at close range by Luis Suarez.

Wolves substitute Steven Fletcher cut the deficit by tucking in Stephen Hunt's cross after 49 minutes.

It was a much-needed victory for Liverpool after back-to-back Premier League defeats. Captain Steven Gerrard had returned to action against Brighton in midweek in the League Cup, after six months out with a groin injury, and he came on again for the final 10 minutes.

Craig Bellamy had impressed in the match at Brighton but he was left out as Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish favoured Andy Carroll again. Carroll had another fruitless afternoon, but came close with a header that hit a post.

Despite starting with a 4-5-1 for the first time this season, Wolves - who had lost 3-0 in their last Premier League outing against QPR - started well, with Jamie O'Hara shooting at Jose Reina. Liverpool snatched the lead though in the 11th minute despite their weak start to the game.

After Martin Kelly crossed and Roger Johnson cleared, Stewart Downing teed the ball up for Adam. The Scotsman's 25-yard shot was diverted past Wayne Hennessey by Roger Johnson's header for an own goal. It was controversial as the Wolves defender felt he had been fouled while clearing the initial cross, as he tussled with Carroll, in the build-up.

Soon afterwards, Carroll headed at the goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and the impressive Luis Suarez then shot wide before Liverpool further extended their lead.

Enrique's chipped pass over the top was met by a perfectly-timed run by Suarez, who twisted and turned to leave Christophe Berra struggling. The Uruguyan finished by firing in from eight yards.

Suarez came close again, poking the wall wide of the far post as Liverpool finished the first half strongly. That prompted Wolves manager Mick McCarthy to make a double substitution at half-time as he switched to a 4-4-2.

McCarthy was rewarded after just four minutes when one of the subs, Fletcher, shot in from eight yards after Stephen Hunt's cut-back with Reina and Martin Skrtel getting in each other's way.

Liverpool soon came close with a string of chances. Hennessey was outstanding, first blocking a close-range Suarez effort. Carroll hit the post with a back-post header after a cross from the excellent Downing, who later watched a chance of his own being saved by the Wolves keeper.

The game increasingly opened up and Wolves had chances of their own as O'Hara shot off target and Berra threatened with a header.

Gerrard emerged with 10 minutes to play as he replaced Suarez - who kicked a water bottle in frustration - and struck over from 30 yards as Liverpool held on.

Source: BBC Sport

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