Wirtz opens Liverpool account as Reds edge Wolves in Jota tribute at Anfield

Florian Wirtz marked his first Liverpool goal as the Reds battled past Wolves on a poignant afternoon at Anfield, where Diogo Jota was honoured by both sets of supporters, Sport360NG reports.

Liverpool struck twice in quick succession late in the first half through Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz, a burst that proved decisive despite Wolves reducing the deficit after the break. Arne Slot’s side recorded a third consecutive Premier League victory, while Wolves remain without a win in the league this season.

The occasion was shaped by remembrance for Jota, who represented both clubs during his career. His sons, Dinis and Duarte, led the teams onto the pitch alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, and the forward was again honoured in the 20th minute when supporters from both ends joined in singing his song. Liverpool have retired Jota’s No 20 shirt following his death in a car accident in July.

Wolves, under Rob Edwards, were well organised for much of the opening period and limited Liverpool’s clear chances. The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute when Gravenberch finished calmly after being picked out by Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool doubled their advantage almost immediately. Hugo Ekitike delivered from the left and Wirtz timed his run perfectly before slotting past José Sá to open his account for the club.

The visitors gave themselves hope early in the second half when Santiago Bueno reacted quickest to score from close range after Alisson had saved Tolu Arokodare’s header from a corner. Edwards responded by introducing fresh legs just after the hour, and Wolves pushed for an equaliser, going closest when Arokodare headed over from a promising position.

Liverpool, however, defended resolutely in the closing stages to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches.

Wirtz beginning to settle

Wirtz’s performance offered further evidence that he is starting to find his rhythm in a Liverpool shirt. The Germany international, signed for a reported £116m in June, had endured a quiet start to life at Anfield but has begun to show his influence in recent weeks.

After registering his first league assist in last weekend’s win at Tottenham, the 22-year-old was a constant creative threat against Wolves. He produced a precise through ball for Ekitike, who struck the post in the first half, and repeatedly drifted past defenders with ease.

His composed finish just before the interval drew a thunderous response from the home crowd, reflecting both relief and optimism around a player expected to play a central role this season. While the overall display was not entirely convincing, Slot will take encouragement from Wirtz’s growing impact, particularly with record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for at least two months with a broken leg.

Encouragement for Wolves despite defeat

Although the result leaves Wolves rooted near the bottom of the table with just two points from 18 matches, the performance offered reasons for optimism.

As in their recent defeat at Arsenal, they forced a strong opponent to work hard and showed resilience for long spells. Despite spending much of the match defending deep, Wolves looked dangerous when they ventured forward and unsettled Liverpool after pulling a goal back.

Teenager Mateus Mané, handed a start at Anfield at just 18, impressed with his composure and fearlessness, while Wolves’ physical presence from set pieces again caused problems, highlighted by Bueno’s goal.

At 2-0, Liverpool threatened to pull away, but Wolves’ refusal to fold ensured a tense atmosphere inside the stadium during the second half. The standings remain bleak, but this was among Wolves’ most encouraging displays of a difficult campaign.