Liverpool 3-1 Wolves: Reds denied title on final day despite comeback win

Liverpool were denied the Premier League title and an unprecedented quadruple on the final day of the season, despite coming from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men trailed to an early Pedro Neto goal, before Sadio Mane equalised, with Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson belatedly scoring to seal three points.

With Manchester City trailing Aston Villa 2-0 while Wolves were holding Liverpool, there was hope among the home fans, but that was soon extinguished as Pep Guardiola’s City came back to win 3-2 and clinch the title.

This was a disappointing blow for the Reds, although they can still win their third trophy of the season on Saturday when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris.

Thank you for your brilliant support this season, Reds. What an incredible ride this special team has taken us all on

There have been so many memorable moments, together. One game to go.

See you all in Paris pic.twitter.com/IuccGSLdle

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 22, 2022

It was far from an ideal start for Liverpool as a long goal kick from Jose Sa found Raul Jimenez after Ibrahima Konate got caught underneath the ball, with the striker crossing for Neto to put the away side ahead inside three minutes in front of a stunned Kop.

However, shortly after Neto was forced off with an injury, Liverpool got themselves level when Konate played a ball into Thiago Alcantara, whose cheeky backwards flick with his instep sent Mane through to finish calmly past Sa.  

Jimenez had a glorious chance to restore Wolves’ lead before half-time when put in on goal, but Alisson was able to make a crucial save to deny the Mexico forward.

Another blow for Liverpool was losing Thiago to injury just before the break, putting his involvement in next week’s Champions League final in doubt, while Sa was also forced off at half-time with a knee problem, with John Ruddy replacing him.

Mane thought he had put his team ahead early in the second half when he got on the end of a Jota throughball and lifted it into the net, only to be denied by an offside flag.

Klopp turned to Salah just before the hour, and the substitute made the difference with six minutes remaining as he forced the ball over the line following a scramble off a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner, before Robertson played a neat one-two with Roberto Firmino to fire in a third, but the title ultimately eluded Liverpool.

What does it mean? Another league heartbreak for Reds

Klopp’s men have been hoovering up trophies this season, but in scenes almost identical to 2018-19, they were helpless to do anything about winning the title against City on the final day.

Funnily enough, Liverpool also played at home to Wolves that day and won 2-0, only for City to come from behind to win at Brighton and Hove Albion to win the league.

There was more drama this time with City made to sweat by Villa, but it was yet another occasion where Liverpool did their job but ended the season with 90-plus points and nothing to show for it.

Mane the man for the final day

Mane’s equaliser here means he has now scored seven goals on the final day of the Premier League – only Harry Kane (nine) has netted more among players currently playing in the division.

Lack of composure nearly costs Reds

While City were losing, Liverpool did not really look like getting the winner they needed to take full advantage. The goals from Salah and Robertson did not arrive until after City had taken the lead down the road.

That lack of composure could have cost them, having 29 shots but only eight on target, although they were still able to secure a win that means they have gone undefeated at home in a Premier League season for the fifth time, with only Chelsea having done so on as many occasions.

What’s next?

Wolves’ season has come to an end but Liverpool still have the Champions League final against Madrid in Paris next Saturday to look forward to.