Liverpool Victory: Ranking the Top 5 Reds Players in the Win Over Wolves

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Liverpool got themselves back to winning ways in the Premier League this afternoon with a hard fought 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield. The winning goal came from the talented boot of Luis Suarez.

A mixed opening saw both teams frequently squander possession in the middle third and several wayward crosses were the closest either side came to danger, though Wolves should have done better with a succession of free kicks around the Liverpool penalty area.

The home team slowly took control of the match and were rewarded for their eventual dominance when Charlie Adam picked up the ball on the left of the area, sold his marker a dummy and smashed the ball towards goal. It was going slightly wide but Roger Johnson dipped his head and diverted the ball past Wayne Hennessey for an own goal to put Liverpool ahead.

Liverpool had plenty of chances to score further goals in the first half but it was Luis Suarez who scored the only other goal of the game for the Reds, running onto a Jose Enrique pass and twisting twice inside the box before lashing a left-footed shot past Hennessey at the near post.

A second half revival from Wolves was on the cards after half-time sub Steven Fletcher scored high into Reina's net from close range.

However, despite much pressure on the Reds' back line, they were unable to really test the Liverpool goalkeeper.

Andy Carroll hit the post and Stewart Downing saw a shot well saved by Hennessey as Liverpool went for a killer third, but no further goals were forthcoming and the game ticked down to its conclusion for a home victory to send Liverpool up to fifth.

Here are the five best Liverpool performers from the game.

5. Lucas Leiva

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Not one of his more creative games today from the Brazilian midfielder, but Lucas Leiva got through a lot of the "dirty work," especially in the second half as Wolves sought to fight their way back into the game.

Lucas was prepared to put the boot in when necessary and made more than a few interceptions.

Charlie Adam seemed a little off the pace, especially in the second half, meaning Lucas had to cover large gaps at times on his own and did it well.

One interception down the right of Liverpool's defence near the end of the game was especially important as the Reds were very stretched at the time.

4. Jamie Carragher

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Jamie Carragher was in fine form to marshal the Liverpool back line against a constant second half bombardment from the Wolves wingers.

A series of set-pieces and crosses were repelled time and time again. If Carragher wasn't on the end of them himself, then his constant barking of instructions ensured that someone in a Red shirt was.

He kept Kevin Doyle very quiet in the first half and again showed that he's still the best form of defence that Liverpool possess.

3. Andy Carroll

Clive Rose/Getty Images

A much improved performance from Andy Carroll today as he showed a good work ethic, a better understanding with his fellow attackers and a willingness to work the channels as well as stay central.

He was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to find the net, most notably when he headed against the post early in the second half. A quicker reaction right at the end of the game might have left him on the score sheet, but he was eventually tackled.

Once or twice a lack of movement cost him the chance of a strike on goal in the first half. It is this area of his game that Carroll needs to work on the most because Suarez, Downing and the others will all provide chances aplenty for him, but this was a much better showing from Liverpool's record signing.

2. Luis Suarez

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez put his Brighton near-misses behind him with a brilliantly executed goal—his third of the league campaign—to give Liverpool the three points.

As usual, his movement and constant attention from the defence was a major plus for Liverpool, and while the Reds had more possession in the first half he was a real menace.

He was unhappy at being subbed for Gerrard's introduction late, but that is just a measure of how badly Suarez wants to be on the pitch for Liverpool; part of what makes him such a hungry player.

Liverpool will almost always create plenty of chances with Luis Suarez on the pitch.

1. Jose Enrique

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

A magnificent performance again from Liverpool's left back earns him the Man of the Match award.

Strong and reliable in defence, sure in the tackle and fleet of foot enough to cope with even the most adventurous and persistent of opposition wingers, he is a great player to have alongside Carragher et al.

In attack he constantly provides width and dangerous crossing ability, and his link-up with Stewart Downing continues to impress.

Jose Enrique was as willing to get forward in the last minute as in the first, though he is always aware of his defensive responsibilities and rarely gets caught on the counter.

Great display and already showing himself to be one of Liverpool's signings of the summer, if not the outright best.