Liverpool's Thrilling Victory Triggered By The Chaos Of The Merseyside Derby

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he believes his team's tense performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers was partly fueled by frustration over the dramatic draw in the Derby Merseyside against Everton on February 13, 2025.

Liverpool narrowly won over Wolves 2-1 at Anfield with goals in the first half from Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz who were enough to give the hosts three points even though Matheus Cunha scored brilliant goals after the break.

Vitor Pereira's team performed better in the second half. Slot also believes the frustration that has been around since midweek - when James Tarkowski scored the equalizer in the 98th minute at Goodison Park - may have contributed to his team's poor performance, especially in the second half against Wolves.

"Obviously that's a relief at the end of the game, especially after what happened on Thursday."

"Eight last minutes when we conceded a goal, you were very frustrated that you knew that moment could have an impact on the next game and the games to come."

"You see that after we conceded a 2-1 lead, for the first time this season. After conceding in the last minute against Everton, it was in our heads," said Arne Slot.

Arne Slot again reminded that the Merseyside Derby is a mental fight, no matter how many great players there are.

"It's very difficult to win a football game. People can say we have Mo Salah."

"No, it's very difficult to win every three days. So, that's why this win (against Wolves) is important to enter an important week."

"We hope to show the same mentality, but play better," said the Dutchman.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot also confirmed that his decision to pull Ibrahima Konate out in the first half was due to concerns about the defender receiving a second yellow card.

Wolves manager Pereira said in a press conference after the match that Konate was supposed to be out before the break.

"Yes, I withdrew because of that (he can get a second yellow card). I saw him get his first yellow card - for me it was a light yellow card."

"If he gets his second yellow card for pushing his shoulder, it will be a light yellow card again. So, he will be issued for two light yellow cards."

"I think the referee also felt the same way. That's why he didn't (give him a yellow card again)."

"However, I've watched football many times in my life. I know that a player (gets a yellow card) and the referee is under pressure."

"So, any subsequent offenses will return to the possibility of the referee thinking that maybe he should give it. I remember back three days ago."

"However, for Ibou, it was very difficult to play football for 45 minutes against a strong Wolves team."

"So I have to pull it out because you can't play football knowing in your mind that you can't foul great players like Wolves," said Arne Slot.

Liverpool will next travel to Aston Villa headquarters in the 26th week of the 2024/2025 Premier League, February 20, 2025.

They continue to have ambitions to keep their distance from Arsenal's current seven points.