The Reds took maximum points from Wolves but they made harder work of this one than they should have done given their chances. It's a dangerous game you play when you don't take your chances all the time and we were lucky that it didn't bit us even if we deserved to win overall.
The Reds attacked the Anny Road end in the first half but it was Wolves who were on the front foot first as they won a few free kicks high up the pitch early on.
Jamie O'Hara found himself in the book after just four minutes after he tried to win a ball with his feet - with the main problem being that they were in Charlie Adam's face.
The Reds woke up fast though after the free kicks and got themselves going - so much so that they took the lead on eleven minutes. Charlie Adam who had already had a sighter on goal took a shot form distance which Roger Johnson stuck his head out at and that was enough to direct the shot on target and the keeper was left rooted to his spot. It set the Reds up well for the day though and an early goal is always good to settle any nerves down.
Andy Carroll had a header on target from a Downing corner shortly after but he met it just wrong and couldn't get enough power on the ball. After being out for the midweek game Carroll showed some good hunger in the game and he showed some good touches throughout and good movement off the ball as well.
On one occasion he collected the ball out on the left wing and delivered a superb cross for which Suarez was inches away from tapping in.
Both sides looked like they had a bit of ace about them with Wolves in particular looking good up top and always looking to capitalise on long balls from Hennessey who I have to say sent some great balls forward and very high up the pitch as well. They did look rather shaky at the back though and they often struggled with the movement of Suarez in particular who doesn't stand still for long.
Just after the half hour Henry was booked for taking out Skrtel as he strode forward looking for a pass. He'd got just beyond halfway and was struggling for what to do when he cut across Henry and won the free kick.
Lucas followed him in to the book shortly after but for him I think it was more a case of one foul too many rather than the specific challenge.
The Reds finally made it two nil on thirty eight minutes when Suarez, who had just been caught offside twice beat the trap to take an inch perfect pass from Enrique. After getting in the area he checked back and the worry was he'd wasted the chance at that point only to twist back out again and beat Hennessey at his near post. A stunning effort that was just typical Suarez and he deserved that for all his work in every game.
Stephen Ward was booked in the aftermath of the goal as he raced to the lino protesting that Suarez was offside - no flag went up though and the card followed. Stephen Hunt went in the book shortly afterwards as well for Wolves after a foul.
The Reds had had a number of chances in the half and did at least have two goals to show for their efforts although it could just as easily have been four I reckon.
Wolves made a double switch at half time with Doherty replacing Stearman who had limped his way through the last five minutes of the half and Fletcher replaced Edwards up front.
The second half was just four minutes old when Wolves made the game interesting as they scored. Steven Fletcher struck home a fierce shot from about eight yards as the Reds failed to clear their lines properly.
The Reds reacted well top the goal and really should have extended their lead as time went on. Suarez had a shot saved just after the goal but he couldn't convert as Hennessey flung himself in front of his shot.
Two minutes later and a great cross from Downing saw Andy Carroll hit the post with a header - so close and something he deserved for me.
Next it was Downing who was sent clean through but as Hennessey stood tall for as long as he could the winger shot only to see the keeper save it. This was getting worrying now as we were getting chance after chance without making it count.
Andy Carroll got himself booked for a very poor tackle on Doherty. Carroll had seen a red mist after Doherty had blocked his cross with an arm but the ref didn't give anything and he flew in to the next challenge which thankfully for the Wolves man he missed although more through the man seeing the tackle coming.
Wolves took heart from the Reds missing chances and continued to try and move forward. Martin Kelly picked up a booking as he hacked his man down trying to block a cross but he certainly could have no complaints at the card.
The Reds were now in desperate need for a change as we were losing the midfield battle bit. Steven Gerrard, Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt were all warming up but Dalglish seemed reluctant to make the change that so many of us thought we needed.
The change finally came on seventy one minutes as Kuyt replaced the tiring Henderson although Charlie Adam looked equally as tired in the midfield.
It was a one for one swap though as the Reds held their shape. It worked in some ways but the central area is where we were losing space too easily - generally by sitting off Wolves and giving them time to get the ball fixed before challenging.
The Reds then made a second change on eighty one minutes as Steven Gerrard replaced Luis Suarez. Wolves also sent on Guedioura for Hunt at the same time. Suarez was clearly frustrated at coming off as he once again booted a water bottle as he got to the dugout. I'd like to think it was just frustration but he really has to be careful of how to show this.
For what it's worth we did look a little more composed after Gerrard came on as he linked between the midfield and the front line. One noticeable thing though about Gerrard was when he ran flat out for a cross field ball his run looked different to his norm. Whether this is a new style or merely being conscious of his injury I don't know.
We did look more settled now although Lucas did have to put a great tackle down at right back after tracking his man well late on.
The one thing I will say is that Reina was never looking under any real threat other than the ref trying to rush him at goal kicks.
Overall this was a good performance although it could and probably should have been far easier had we taken more chances when they arrived. Perhaps we can save the goals up for when we are struggling but it always helps the goal difference t get them when you can - especially after last week.
MotM : Jose Enrique - really impressive down the left and after so long struggling at this position he has nailed this one down well. His defensive play was good whilst he was always there for Downing down the left. Downing, Carroll and Suarez all had good game as well for the Reds.
