Slot saw Liverpool struggle mentally: 'We kept getting worse'

Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in front of a packed Anfield, but the match was far from straightforward for Arne Slot’s side.

Despite a strong first half that saw Liverpool take control, the second half proved to be a mental and physical test, as Wolverhampton mounted a late surge that forced the home side to dig deep to hold on to the three points. The win keeps Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, strengthening their position as title favorites, but Slot admitted after the game that it was far from an easy night.

The match started well for Liverpool, who took an early lead, sending the home crowd into a confident mood. The Reds looked sharp in possession, moving the ball quickly and exploiting space in the final third. Wolverhampton, known for their defensive resilience, struggled to contain Liverpool’s attacking movement, and before long, the second goal followed, putting Slot’s team in a commanding position.

Early in the second half, it seemed like Liverpool had put the game to bed when Mohamed Salah found the back of the net, appearing to extend the lead to 3-0. Anfield erupted, and the players celebrated what they thought was the goal that would seal the victory. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside, frustrating the Liverpool bench and giving Wolves a lifeline. Just minutes later, Liverpool was awarded a penalty, presenting another golden opportunity to increase their lead, only for the decision to be overturned after further VAR intervention.

That sequence of events had a psychological impact on the Liverpool players. Slot acknowledged after the game that those back-to-back decisions changed the momentum, giving Wolves confidence while unsettling his own team. "That was mentally difficult because we thought we had secured the third goal," Slot told the BBC. "But the referee handled both situations well. After that, Wolves got better and better, while we kept getting worse. We had to find a different mental approach to hold on to the win, and fortunately, we managed to do so."

As Wolverhampton grew into the game, Liverpool’s fluency in possession started to decline, and the visitors sensed an opportunity to turn the match around. Wolves pressed higher up the pitch, forcing mistakes from Liverpool’s backline and creating more dangerous opportunities. Their attacking efforts were eventually rewarded when they pulled a goal back, making it 2-1 and setting up a nervy finish for the home side.

Liverpool found themselves on the defensive, struggling to regain their early rhythm. Wolverhampton pushed forward, knowing that one more goal could steal a valuable point. Slot’s side had to show resilience, defending deep and absorbing pressure as the visitors launched attack after attack. It was not a vintage Liverpool performance in the closing stages, but they held on, securing a crucial three points in the title race.

After the game, Slot reflected on the mental aspect of the performance, emphasizing the importance of winning even when not at their best. "In a season where you play so many matches, you also have to win the tough games when you're not at your best," he said. "On Wednesday, we came close to victory but ended up dropping points. This time, we managed to hold on. If you want to achieve something, it’s not just about building up beautifully or Salah scoring goals. It’s also about defending well."

The result saw Liverpool increase their lead at the top of the table, with 60 points after 25 matches under Slot’s leadership. This record places him in elite company, as only one manager in Premier League history has accumulated more points in his first 25 league matches in England José Mourinho. During his debut season with Chelsea in 2004/05, the Portuguese coach amassed 64 points in his first 25 games, leading his team to the Premier League title that season. Liverpool now finds itself in a similar position, seven points ahead of Arsenal, further strengthening their claim to the league title.

Beyond the statistics and the performance, much of the post-match discussion centered around Slot’s emotional celebrations with the Liverpool supporters. The Dutchman has quickly built a strong connection with the Anfield faithful, and after the final whistle, he was seen pumping his fists toward the crowd, acknowledging their support and celebrating a hard-fought victory. His reaction did not go unnoticed in England, with many interpreting it as a sign of growing belief that the Premier League title is edging closer.

Liverpool still has a long way to go in the season, with several key matches remaining, but performances like these grinding out results under pressure are often the mark of champions. While the game against Wolves was not a dominant display, it was a statement of resilience, showing that Slot’s Liverpool can battle through adversity and find ways to win even when things do not go smoothly. With momentum on their side, the Reds now look forward to their next challenge, knowing that each victory brings them one step closer to glory.