Anfield unites in tribute as Slot’s Reds edge Wolves in tense affair.
On an afternoon heavy with memory and emotion, Florian Wirtz announced his arrival as a Liverpool match-winner, scoring his first goal for the club in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The match was framed by a poignant tribute to former Liverpool and Wolves forward Diogo Jota, who died in July. His two young sons, Dinis and Duarte, led the teams out as mascots, hand-in-hand with captain Virgil van Dijk. In the 20th minute—the number Liverpool retired in his honour—the entire stadium rose in a unified chorus of Jota’s song, a powerful moment of respect from both sets of supporters.
On the pitch, the breakthrough finally came just before half-time after a stubborn Wolves defensive display. In the 41st minute, Ryan Gravenberch broke the deadlock, finishing coolly from Jeremie Frimpong’s low cross. Mere moments later, the decisive flash of quality arrived. New signing Wirtz, finding space in the box, met Hugo Ekitike’s clever delivery and guided a precise finish past José Sá to send Anfield into raptures.
“The connection with Hugo was good there,” Wirtz said after the match. “It’s a special feeling to score at this stadium, for this club. But today was about more than football—it was about honouring Diogo’s memory.”
Wolves, showing the fight that has been absent from much of their season, refused to capitulate. Six minutes after the restart, they halved the deficit. Santiago Bueno was quickest to react after Alisson saved Tolu Arokodare’s header from a corner, poking home to ignite hopes of a comeback.
Manager Rob Edwards introduced fresh legs after the hour mark, and Wolves pressed persistently. Arokodare sent a free header over the bar in a late scare, but Liverpool’s defence, marshalled by Van Dijk, held firm to secure a third consecutive league win.
ANALYSIS: THE WIRTZ TURNING POINT?
All eyes have been on Florian Wirtz since his club-record £116m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. After a subdued start, the German international is beginning to illuminate the Premier League. Following an assist in last week’s win at Tottenham, this was a performance of growing authority.
Before his goal, Wirtz had unlocked the Wolves defence with a sublime first-half through ball that sent Ekitike against the post. His movement, close control, and composure in the finish suggest a player settling into his monumental price tag at a crucial time, especially with fellow high-profile signing Alexander Isak sidelined long-term with a broken leg.
“You see the confidence growing every day,” manager Arne Slot noted post-match. “For a young man in a new league, it takes time. Today, you saw his quality. It’s a big step.”
WOLVES: ENCOURAGEMENT AMID THE CRISIS
For Wolves, the Premier League table remains bleak—winless and with just two points from six games. Yet at Anfield, they displayed a resilience sorely missing in earlier collapses.
Edwards’ side were organised, disciplined, and played without the fear that has plagued their season. Teenager Mateus Mane showed flashes of promise on the big stage, and their set-piece threat—a persistent Liverpool weakness—finally told with Bueno’s goal.
“We asked questions, we fought, and we stayed in the game until the end,” said Edwards. “The application was there. If we show that every week, the results will come. But we know we need them quickly.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Liverpool (7th) travel to Brighton next Sunday, buoyed by a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Wolverhampton Wanderers (20th) host Aston Forest in a vital basement battle next Saturday, desperately seeking the win that could ignite their campaign.