Liverpool 2–1 Wolves: Wirtz Breaks His Duck as Reds Survive Another Nervy Anfield Afternoon

Liverpool climbed into the Premier League’s top four on Saturday afternoon, but not without another bout of familiar anxiety. A quickfire double just before half-time from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz proved enough to beat a winless Wolves side 2–1 at Anfield, though Arne Slot’s men were once again forced to cling on rather than cruise.

This was supposed to be routine. The league’s fifth-placed side at home, against bottom club Wolves, who arrived with just two points from 18 games. Instead, it turned into another exercise in nerve management — a theme that refuses to leave Liverpool’s season.

Yet amid the tension, there were moments of genuine significance. Most notably, Florian Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account, and the roar that followed told you everything about the weight that had been lifted.

Before a ball was kicked, the afternoon was steeped in emotion. Dinis and Duarte Jota, the sons of the late Diogo Jota, led the teams onto the pitch alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, and in the 20th minute Anfield rose as one to sing Jota’s song.

For a club built on memory and connection, it was a powerful reminder of what football means beyond the scoreboard.

Liverpool dominated the ball from the outset, finishing the match with 66.6% possession, over 660 completed passes, and 41 touches inside Wolves’ box. But for all that territorial control, clear chances were scarce early on.

The best opening fell to Hugo Ekitike, who struck the post after a beautifully weighted through-ball from Wirtz — a glimpse of the chemistry beginning to form between Liverpool’s two most exciting attackers.

Wolves, to their credit, refused to fold. Mateus Mane, handed his first Premier League start, played with courage and forced Alisson into a smart low save, before firing just wide from distance.

It took patience — and then it took seconds.

In the 41st minute, Jeremie Frimpong burst down the right and pulled the ball back perfectly into the path of Gravenberch, who rifled home first time. Relief swept through Anfield.

Eighty-nine seconds later, that relief turned to joy.

Ekitike, once again central to everything Liverpool did well, slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Wirtz, who showed the composure of a player far older than his 22 years, poking calmly past José Sá.

After months of pressure, questions, and quiet frustration, Wirtz had his moment — and Anfield embraced it.

If Liverpool fans hoped that would be the end of the drama, they haven’t been paying attention this season.

Six minutes into the second half, Wolves struck. Tolu Arokodare outmuscled Ibrahima Konaté to win a header from a corner, Alisson saved, but Santiago Bueno was first to react, stabbing home the rebound.

Suddenly, the nerves returned.

Wolves, still winless but far from beaten, sensed vulnerability. Liverpool’s long-standing issues defending set-pieces were once again exposed, and the visitors pushed with increasing belief.

Arokodare headed over, Wolves pressed high, and Anfield — scarred by too many collapses this season — held its breath.

To Slot’s credit, Liverpool did not implode. Conor Bradley produced a crucial late interception, Van Dijk marshalled his line, and Alisson commanded his box with authority.

Liverpool won 84.2% of their tackles, cleared their lines when needed, and saw the game out with a composure that has often been missing.

It wasn’t dominant.
It wasn’t comfortable.
But it was professional.

And at this stage of the season, that matters.

This was not a classic. It was not the statement win the league table might suggest. But it was another step forward.

Liverpool have now won three Premier League games in a row, gone seven unbeaten in all competitions, and climbed into the top four despite a campaign riddled with injuries, controversy, and inconsistency.

Most importantly, Florian Wirtz is finally delivering, Hugo Ekitike continues to lead the line with authority, and Liverpool are finding ways to win even when they are far from perfect.

Wolves will take heart. Liverpool will take points.

And for now, that’s enough.