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Liverpool closed out a hard-fought afternoon at Anfield with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, extending their winning run and underlining the growing resilience under Arne Slot. It was not a flawless performance, especially after the break, but it was one that showed character, togetherness, and a team learning how to win even when momentum shifts.
A rapid double strike from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz late in the first half put Liverpool firmly in control. Wolves responded through Santiago Bueno shortly after half-time, setting up a tense final period where Liverpool had to dig deep to protect their lead. Slot left the pitch pleased with the fight his team showed, even if he admitted there are still areas that need work.
Lightning First-Half Burst Sets the Tone
The opening half at Anfield was defined by Liverpool’s intensity and sharpness in transition. Wolves struggled to cope when Liverpool turned defence into attack with pace and purpose. That pressure finally told in the space of just 89 seconds. Gravenberch broke the deadlock with a confident finish, rewarding Liverpool’s aggressive pressing and willingness to commit bodies forward. Before Wolves could reset, Florian Wirtz struck his first competitive goal for the club, sending Anfield into celebration and lifting a clear weight off the shoulders of the young playmaker.
Slot made it clear that Wirtz’s goal meant more than just adding to the scoreline.
“I think I’m quite sure it was a relief for him, this I could see after his reaction after he scored the goal and the same I saw with his teammates. They were really happy for him scoring his first goal.”
For Slot, the goal was validation of what Wirtz has already been contributing beyond the numbers.
“Sometimes we tend to forget what else there is to do during a game. I think he’s had multiple good games for us and he gets better and better every single game.”
Florian Wirtz Delivers and Looks Just Getting Started
Wirtz’s first Liverpool goal felt inevitable. His movement between the lines, ability to receive under pressure, and growing physical sharpness have all been trending in the right direction. Slot believes this is only the beginning.
“He was getting closer and closer to his first goal. It was not a surprise to me that he scored one today. But one goal is not enough. He will score many more goals for us than only this one.”
The player himself echoed that quiet confidence after the match, speaking with honesty and maturity about his journey so far.
“It was very nice. The feeling on the pitch with the fans around the stadium… I was very happy.”
Wirtz admitted he wanted to make an earlier impact statistically but never lost belief.
“I was confident that I would score one day. I had to accept it, but I just knew that it would come.”
His influence extended beyond the goal, with supporters voting him Carlsberg Player of the Match. That recognition reflected his all-round contribution, not just the decisive moment.
Set-Piece Woes Return but Progress Is Clear
Once again, Liverpool conceded from a set-piece, an issue that continues to frustrate Slot. Bueno’s goal early in the second half shifted the mood inside Anfield and handed Wolves belief.
“Unfortunately we’re maybe the only team that hardly ever scores from a set-piece and even worse, we constantly concede.”
Yet rather than focusing only on the negative, Slot highlighted a key step forward. Liverpool still found a way to win.
“In the last two games we conceded a set-piece but we were able to win and that hasn’t happened that many times this season. That’s progress for me.”
Liverpool even came close to responding immediately after half-time from a well-worked set-piece of their own, with Wirtz narrowly missing the target. The structure is there. The execution now needs to follow.
Second-Half Struggle and the Importance of Grit
Arne Slot did not hide his disappointment with how Liverpool handled the second half overall. At 2-0, he expected greater control. Instead, Wolves grew into the game after scoring, forcing Liverpool into a more defensive posture.
“No, of course not. If you go 2-0 up at half-time, you’re expecting a different second half.”
The manager explained how one goal can completely change the emotional rhythm of a match, referencing recent experiences elsewhere.
“A goal can massively change momentum. That’s what you saw today.”
Despite the pressure, Liverpool limited Wolves to very few clear chances. The defending in the final stages was more about organisation, concentration, and willingness to suffer.
“I saw a team that was fighting to get the win over the line. Not with the best possible football, but there was a proper fight.”
Frimpong’s Pace Adds a New Dimension
Jeremie Frimpong’s growing influence was another major positive. Fully fit and sharp, he once again delivered a crucial assist, following up his contribution against Tottenham. Slot addressed the wider conversation around Liverpool’s summer spending and injuries, pointing out that not all signings have had the chance to make an impact yet.
“We were not always able to use the players we’ve brought in. That has to do with the injuries.”
Frimpong, however, is now showing exactly why he was targeted.
“Pace, that’s what he has and that’s so important in modern-day football.”
His speed was decisive in breaking down Wolves’ low block, especially with Liverpool still searching for consistency from set-pieces.
“The first goal we scored was pure individual ability. Quick, bam, bam and a cut-back cross.”
Emotional Tributes Highlight What Makes Football Special
Beyond tactics and goals, the match carried emotional weight with tributes to Diogo Jota. The response from both sets of supporters reminded everyone why football means so much beyond the result.
“Our fans have been incredible since the tragedy has happened.”
Slot was particularly moved by the unity shown between rival supporters.
“The Wolves fans started singing for Diogo, and our fans were clapping. Then it was the opposite way around.”
For Slot, it was a moment that captured the spirit of English football.
“It’s not only the players who make this league special. It’s definitely also the fans.”
Liverpool Building Momentum at the Right Time
The win makes it six games unbeaten for Liverpool and lifts them back into the top four. It has not been a smooth start to the season, but signs of progress are clear.
Wirtz summed it up simply.
“It’s not been an easy start for us, but in the last games we have been doing better and better and getting the points.”
Liverpool may not yet be the finished product under Arne Slot, but matches like this show a team learning how to manage adversity, protect leads, and rely on collective strength. With confidence growing, key players returning to fitness, and new signings beginning to settle, Liverpool’s upward curve feels real. If they can combine their first-half sharpness with second-half control, results like this may soon feel routine rather than hard-earned. For now, three points, another win, and a special first goal for Florian Wirtz make this one a Saturday worth remembering at Anfield.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com