Five Talking Points: Liverpool 2–1 Wolves

Liverpool climbed into the Premier League’s top four with a 2–1 win over Wolves, but the performance once again raised as many questions as it answered. Here are the key themes from an afternoon that mixed progress with persistent flaws.

1. Wirtz’s Goal Was About More Than Numbers

Florian Wirtz’s first Liverpool goal felt inevitable rather than overdue. The German has grown steadily more influential in recent weeks, and his calm finish just before half-time was a reward for a performance built on intelligent movement and creative intent.

Beyond the goal, Wirtz created chances, played between the lines with confidence and linked particularly well with Hugo Ekitike. For a £116m signing, this felt like the moment where expectation finally met output — and Liverpool will hope it’s the first of many.

2. Ekitike Is Becoming Liverpool’s Attacking Reference Point

Once again, Hugo Ekitike was central to everything Liverpool did well in attack. He hit the post early, assisted Wirtz’s goal, and occupied Wolves’ centre-backs throughout.

With Alexander Isak sidelined and Mohamed Salah absent, Ekitike has stepped into the role of Liverpool’s primary attacking threat. His movement and link-up play are now as important as his finishing, and his recent consistency is one of the clearest positives of the festive period.

3. Liverpool Still Struggle to Control Games at 2–0

The pattern is becoming familiar. Liverpool dominated possession (66.6%), territory and passing, yet allowed Wolves back into the game far too easily once they had established a lead.

Santiago Bueno’s goal from a set-piece once again exposed defensive fragility, and the nervous final half-hour underlined Liverpool’s ongoing difficulty in managing matches. Winning games is crucial — but learning how to close them out comfortably remains a work in progress for Arne Slot.

4. Wolves Offered More Resistance Than Their Position Suggests

Despite remaining winless, Wolves produced one of their more encouraging displays of the season. Mateus Mane showed promise on his first Premier League start, and the visitors competed well in aerial duels and second balls.

While the league table makes grim reading for Wolves supporters, this was not the performance of a side completely devoid of belief. Liverpool were made to work, particularly after half-time, and Wolves’ pressing unsettled the hosts at key moments.

5. Results Are Improving — Performances Still Need Refinement

Liverpool have now won three consecutive Premier League games and are unbeaten in seven across all competitions. From a results perspective, this is the most stable period of Slot’s tenure so far.

However, the gap between Liverpool’s potential and their execution remains evident. They are creating enough to win matches, but not yet controlling them with authority. With tougher fixtures ahead, incremental improvement will need to turn into consistency.

Verdict:
This was a necessary win rather than a convincing one. Liverpool are moving in the right direction, but the journey toward genuine control and comfort is still ongoing.