Florian Wirtz finally found his feet in the Premier League as Liverpool ground out a 2-1 victory over bottom club Wolves in a match that was far more uncomfortable than the scoreline suggests.
The breakthrough came late in the first half when Ryan Gravenberch arrived on the edge of the box to steer Liverpool in front, and the hosts struck again almost immediately. This time Hugo Ekitike slipped a clever pass through the Wolves defence, allowing Wirtz to sprint clear and prod calmly past José Sá for his maiden league goal in red.
At that point, it looked as though Wolves might fold. Instead, they emerged with renewed belief after the break and were back in the contest within minutes. Alisson Becker could only parry Tolu Arokodare’s effort into a crowded area, and Santi Bueno reacted quickest to force the ball over the line and cut Liverpool’s lead in half.
That goal transformed the atmosphere inside Anfield. Wolves pushed with growing confidence, while Liverpool’s rhythm faltered. Arokodare went close again, and the visitors sensed an unlikely equaliser as the home side struggled to regain control.
Liverpool had their own chances to put the game to bed earlier, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ekitike both striking the woodwork in the first half, but those missed opportunities ensured a nervy finale. Wolves, despite their league position, showed fight and ambition, keeping Liverpool pinned back for long spells.
In the end, Liverpool’s defence held firm, preserving a result that lifts them into the top four and extends their unbeaten run. Wolves, meanwhile, remain without a league win after 18 matches and are still searching for a first point under Rob Edwards.
The afternoon carried added emotion, marking the first Premier League meeting between the two clubs since Diogo Jota’s passing. Tributes were paid throughout the game, with Jota’s family present and warmly acknowledged by both sets of supporters.
For Liverpool, the focus will be on the positives: three points secured and a first league goal for Wirtz, whose movement and involvement hinted at greater influence to come. For Wolves, the second-half display offered encouragement, but once again they were left empty-handed, still waiting for a result to turn belief into reward.
