Despite their abundant inconsistencies, Liverpool are arguably the most predictable team in the Premiership. There's a level of performance we've come to expect and although it's not so bad, it's by no means great.
Fans visiting Anfield won't have had the tarot cards out on Friday night, knowing the result depended entirely on the conversion of chances and the oppositions ability to capitalise on the Reds' inadequacies.
This 'standard' performance condemned Gérard Houllier's side to a humiliating defeat last weekend, but was enough to secure three points against relegation-threatened Wolves, just as it was four days ago against relegation-threatened Portsmouth. The only difference here was that fans had to wait ninety-one minutes for the deciding goal.
There were few diversions from the advertised script. Steven Gerrard was his usual domineering self, backed efficiently by Dietmar Hamann, with the wide players offering nothing in the way of a physical presence or an attacking threat.
Igor and Sami, had a few "moments" as usual. How many people were more excited by Emile Heskey's substitution than during his rare surge through the middle during the first half? Jody Craddock did Emile a favour by promptly curtailing this unprecedented gush of willing, as "Palace revisited" beckoned.
Houllier had the wisdom to point out "Emile was limping around for the rest of the first half" and exactly how is that different from any other week, Professor? Again, this was standard faire.
It was also inevitable that Wolves would cause the Reds problems, despite possessing the worst away record in the League and a failure to win away from Molyneux in fourteen previous attempts. They had however secured four magnificent points at those well-known fortress' Leicester, Portsmouth, Fulham and Bolton. They came so close to a high-five, and few would begrudge it.
The first-half flew by, due only to the entertaining sight of Houllier losing his rag over the penalty decision. He had his excuses prepared so well on Saturday that he needed to use them even though we won, the wind and the ref! Double whammy! The only thing missing was the obligatory, "We have beaten a very good team today" reference.
"Referees get managers the sack," Indeed. Was that the word "sack" I heard? Wait there's an idea!
Paul Jones' reception was a very nice touch. I like the guy. However strange isn't it that a world-class local lad, who brought pride to the city and gave Liverpool the best years of his career is booed, while a slightly-above-average Welshman who played 2 games gets a standing ovation?
Nice to see the Kop rise above Paul Ince's presence too, but again they prefer to jeer and make banners denigrating an excellent servant rather than a greedy, shit-stirring ex-Manchester United coward. Take that how you will.
Credit where its due to our Ged, as Wolves gained the upper hand thanks to some smart play from Henri Camara, he made the changes at the right time, giving the Reds an ample 30 minutes to break down the defence that have conceded a miserly 57 goals all season, only two more than the mighty Leeds United.
They set about it with gusto. Kewell's substitution was booed for a reason beyond me and if Harry was ill, why was he playing? It was a similar story following the ankle injury, which he played through week in, week out. It's not like a half-fit Kewell brings anymore to the team than Heskey at 100%.
Milan's introduction came as a huge sigh of relief, and business immediately picked up. Like it could sink any further. After less than a minute on the field, Baros set up the ominously anonymous Michael Owen, but the Reds' No.10 drilled his half-volley into the side netting. A decent chance for Michael.
The much-improved John Arne Riise, smashed a superb left-foot drive, just over Jones' goal and Owen missed another chance from close range, losing his balance as he hooked the ball goalwards.
The signs were encouraging. Liverpool had gained all the momentum - largely due to Dave Jones decision to shut up shop when his side were arguably the more dangerous – and they looked destined to take all three points. They finally did, when the last in a series of perfectly delivered corners from the Captain, was powered home by his predecessor, Sami Hyypia. Allez Allez.
Cue jubilation. I was as elated as the next man, but I felt a little silly celebrating a last minute winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers with such enthusiasm. Alas, it was an enthusiasm few had felt in many a visit to L4, so we shouldn't complain I suppose.
Onwards and upwards we go, with the luxury of playing the bottom five within a run of six games, Liverpool travel to the Walkers stadium next weekend looking to retain their uneasy grip on fourth place. Most would think of this as a great chance to build upon the current sequence of two straight wins, but there'll be few placing money on it.
