Wirtz orchestrates nervy Wolves victory to lift Liverpool into top four | OneFootball

Liverpool extended their winning run with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, with Florian Wirtz scoring his first goal for the club on an emotional afternoon marked by tributes to Diogo Jota.

Arne Slot’s side made it three consecutive Premier League wins, although they were forced to dig deep in the second half to secure the points against spirited opposition.

The occasion was defined as much by remembrance as by football, with both sets of supporters honouring Jota, who represented both clubs, following his death in a car crash in July.

Liverpool controlled large spells of the first half but found Wolves well organised and difficult to break down for long periods.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 41st minute when Jeremie Frimpong drove down the right and pulled the ball back for Ryan Gravenberch, who guided a composed finish beyond Jose Sa.

Wolves barely had time to regroup before Liverpool struck again, with Wirtz getting on the end of Hugo Ekitike’s delivery and calmly slotting home to open his account for the club.

The goal sparked a wave of relief inside Anfield, with the German midfielder mobbed by team-mates after ending his early-season drought.

Liverpool could have gone into the interval further ahead, with Wirtz and Ekitike combining again moments earlier to create a chance that struck the post.

Wolves emerged with renewed purpose after the break and were rewarded six minutes into the second half.

Tolu Arokodare met a corner with a powerful header that Alisson Becker could only parry, allowing Santiago Bueno to react quickest and score from close range.

The goal shifted the momentum and introduced tension into a contest that had previously looked comfortable for the hosts.

Rob Edwards’ side pressed for an equaliser and caused Liverpool problems with direct running and physical presence in the box.

Arokodare went close with a free header that drifted over the bar, while Liverpool’s vulnerability at set-pieces again came under scrutiny.

Slot responded by tightening his side’s shape as Liverpool attempted to regain control and slow the tempo.

Despite Wolves finishing the stronger side and pushing bodies forward late on, Liverpool defended resolutely in the closing stages.

A crucial intervention from Conor Bradley in the final minutes denied Wolves a clear chance and preserved the lead.

The final whistle confirmed another important victory for Liverpool, who remain unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions.

While the performance was not flawless, Wirtz’s first goal and the ability to see out a difficult second half ensured a result that kept their momentum firmly intact.