Runaway leaders Liverpool extended their Premier League advantage to 16 points with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino.
Henderson’s opener in the eighth minute, which came off his shoulder from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner, quietened a raucous crowd inside a mist-shrouded Molineux.
But Wolves, under coach Nuno Espirito Santo, have built a reputation for upsetting more illustrious opponents and came roaring back in the 51st when Raul Jimenez steered home a powerful header from the lively Adam Traore’s cross.
Both sides squandered chances, before Firmino found space in the box to settle the outcome with an 84th minute shot that gave Liverpool a 14th consecutive league win.
It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last eight games for the club in all competitions.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp punched the air and the fans sang “We shall not be moved” as the relentless Reds close in on their first top-flight title in three decades.
“We had incredible chances in the first half and then at the end it was a magic moment from Bobby (Firmino),” said Klopp. “You just have to find a way to win and have someone who makes the perfect decision and that was Bobby again. It was a super, super, super goal from Bobby. I’m really, really pleased as you can imagine.”
As for Henderson’s early goal, off his shoulder from a corner, Klopp was delighted with his captain’s evolution.
“I’m not sure since when Hendo is involved in offensive set-pieces, usually for most of the time he was protection, so now we have found a way to involve him as well, and that he scores that goal is obviously incredible,” said the German coach. “He played an unbelievable game again tonight ... he keeps everyone on their toes... we couldn't be in this situation without these sorts of characters.”
“However, I don’t think about it (winning the title). I just think about winning the next matches ... let’s carry on,” he said. “It’s over when it’s over, not before,” he added.
Klopp praised Wolves’ fight and spoke of the need for his charges to keep improving, despite their lofty status.
“Wolves are doing so unbelievably well, so different to everything else you face. How (manager) Nuno (Espirito Santo) sets it up, it’s really good,” he said.
