Sports

Liverpool vs Wolves: Reds end their glorious 2019 with win after two VAR dramas

Published

5 years ago

December 29, 2019

Liverpool restored their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League after Sadio Mane’s first-half strike downed Wolves at Anfield.

Liverpool will begin the new year leading the Premier League by 13 points, with a game in hand on nearest rivals Leicester City, after rounding off a sensational 2019 with a 1-0 victory over Wolves at Anfield in which they benefited from two VAR decisions in quick succession.
Sadio Mane’s first-half goal ultimately secured an 18th win from 19 Premier League games for Jurgen Klopp’s side, whose only dropped points so far this season came courtesy of a draw at Manchester United in October.

However, Mane’s strike was only awarded after a VAR check, referee Anthony Taylor having initially penalised Adam Lallana for handball, and Wolves thought they had drawn level in first-half injury time, only for Pedro Neto’s strike to be retrospectively ruled out for offside.

An aggrieved Wolves showed more ambition after falling behind, with Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez both introduced from the bench in the second period, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had little to do as the hosts maintained their relentless form.

After winning the Champions League and Club World Cup this year, Liverpool will now enter 2020 as overwhelming favourites to end their 30-year wait for a domestic league title.