Liverpool Premier League title race: Should Arne Slot be concerned after Everton draw, Wolverhampton Wanderers win?

The Merseysiders were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Everton at Goodison Park on February 12, conceding a 98th-minute equaliser and failing to fully capitalise on their game in hand on Arsenal.

Liverpool returned to winning ways on Sunday against Wolves, but they struggled to gain a foothold in the second half and were undoubtedly second best for large periods.

Though the Reds are seven points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, Lynch believes that Arne Slot cannot ignore some of the issues experienced against Wolves, telling Sports Mole: "Where the slight concern comes in is Wolves' second half - [it's] brushed under the carpet a bit that Liverpool were quite good in the first half. But to be held to no shots in the second half and concede ten to Wolves as well - it rings a couple of alarm bells.

"The manager's not going to want to completely write it off and [say] it's just one of those days on both occasions. He's going to want to look into deeper reasons."

Liverpool did not attempt a single shot in the second half against Wolves, and it was the first time on record that the Reds failed to register an attempt in a half of Premier League football at Anfield.

Everton performance explained

Liverpool were also second best at times against Everton in the Merseyside Derby, with the Reds producing just six shots all game while creating less xG than the Toffees.

The manner of the draw was also concerning to some fans as James Tarkowski's equaliser in second-half stoppage time opened the club up to accusations of complacency.

However, Lynch told Sports Mole that it is easier to explain the Reds' draw with Everton given the emotionally charged atmosphere inside Goodison Park, saying: "The Everton one is a lot easier to brush off in that we've come to expect that's going to be a really tricky fixture for Liverpool, trickier than any of the title rivals will generally find it.

"The passion that's involved in that fixture, the historic rivalry, and also knowing it was the last derby at Goodison Park and [knowing that] Liverpool - had they won - would have had a winning record there. Everybody knew there was an awful lot riding on it and the atmosphere, I was there and it was absolutely incredible.

"You've got to give credit to Everton supporters for that. The nature of the way that draw came about, Liverpool showed really good battling qualities, but they didn't deserve more than a draw and in the end, it's easy enough to write that off as one of those things."

Liverpool have historically struggled for victories at Goodison Park, winning on just two occasions in their last 13 games at the stadium.

Title race: No reason to panic

Though the Everton draw and Liverpool's performance against Wolves in the second half were frustrating, there is still plenty of reason for fans to have optimism heading into the final part of the season.

Taking points from rivals is never an easy task, and Liverpool's first-half display against Wolves was particularly strong, so perhaps the second half should not overshadow their entire performance.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch believes that the Reds will improve their showings in the coming weeks, saying: "Wolves are improving - five of the eight wins they've had all season have come in the last ten games. So they are getting better as well.

"2-0 is that dangerous scoreline as well. If Liverpool could have had that wrapped up, if the [Jota] penalty had gone their way, if the marginal offside for the Salah strike [had not been called] - a few factors there.

"It wouldn't be a shock if you see better performances over the next couple from Liverpool. I don't think [their Wolves performance is] anything terminal, and that it is going to be a how they play between now and the end of the season."

Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute, but replays showed there was minimal contact on Diogo Jota, who could have attempted to shoot rather than go down in the box, and his effort may have given Reds an unassailable 3-0 lead had he chosen to strike at goal.

Written by

Lewis Nolan