Liverpool moved within six points of the Champions League places with a 2-0 victory over Wolves in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah scored in quick succession to secure the win and ensure Liverpool enter Sunday’s derby against Manchester United on a positive note.
Van Dijk’s goal came when he had a second header from a free-kick – thanks to good work from ex-Wolves man Diogo Jota – while Salah guided a cross home with his thigh four minutes later to double the advantage.
Darwin Nunez had earlier had a goal disallowed after the referee observed a Jota foul on the pitch-side monitor, while Liverpool were perhaps fortunate there was no such review after Fabinho was booked for a studs-first tackle.
Before Liverpool brought more energy after the break, the best chances of an underwhelming first half both fell to Harvey Elliott via Nunez but he could not capitalise, first heading wide when unmarked and then scuffing a shot which allowed the goalkeeper to tip the ball round the post.
Wolves offered little in an attacking capacity and the loss means they remain three points above the relegation zone.
