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Mohamed Salah was not the headline act this time, but Anfield still had plenty to cheer as Liverpool wrapped up 2025 with a hard fought and satisfying 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. On a festive Saturday night, Arne Slot’s side showed composure, quality, and just enough resilience to make sure the year ended with another three points in the bag.
A late burst in the first half proved decisive. Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz struck within 89 seconds, flipping the mood inside Anfield and putting Liverpool firmly in control. Wolves responded after the break and made things uncomfortable, but Liverpool held their nerve to secure a fourth straight win in all competitions. This was not a perfect performance, but it was a mature one. And sometimes, especially in the middle of a relentless Premier League schedule, that matters more.
A Fresh Look Liverpool Lineup
Arne Slot made two notable changes to his starting eleven, and both added intrigue before kickoff. Federico Chiesa was handed his first Premier League start of the season, bringing pace and directness to the left side. Jeremie Frimpong also came into the side, offering his trademark energy and attacking intent from wide areas.
Liverpool lined up with Alisson in goal, shielded by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate at the heart of defence. Milos Kerkez slotted in at left back, while Frimpong operated on the right. The midfield featured a blend of control and creativity with Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Florian Wirtz. Up front, Hugo Ekitike led the line, supported by Chiesa. It was a lineup that hinted at attacking ambition, but also balance. Slot’s approach has been clear all season, rotate smartly, trust the squad, and keep the intensity high.
A Cautious Start With Flashes of Quality
The opening stages were measured rather than explosive. Wolves came to Anfield organised and confident, clearly willing to test Liverpool on the counter. Mateus Mane caused early problems, forcing Alisson into a low save before later firing just over from range.
Liverpool’s first real opening arrived in the 11th minute, and it was a sign of what was to come. Florian Wirtz slipped a beautiful through ball into the path of Hugo Ekitike. The striker did almost everything right, but his effort came back off the post. Anfield groaned, but the move itself lifted the tempo.
For much of the half, chances were limited. Liverpool controlled possession without fully breaking Wolves down, while the visitors stayed compact and waited for mistakes. It felt like one of those games where patience would be key.
A Ruthless 89 Seconds Change Everything
That patience paid off in spectacular fashion late in the first half. In the 41st minute, Jeremie Frimpong exploded down the right channel, leaving his marker behind with a burst of pace. His pull back into the box was perfectly weighted, inviting Ryan Gravenberch to arrive at speed. The midfielder met it first time and guided it home with confidence. Anfield erupted.
Before Wolves could reset, Liverpool struck again. Straight from the restart, Hugo Ekitike showed sharp footwork on the left, nudging the ball past Andre before lifting his head. Florian Wirtz timed his run beautifully, ghosting into the box and calmly poking the ball past the goalkeeper. It was his first competitive goal for Liverpool, and he took it like a player who expects many more. Two goals in 89 seconds transformed the game. Liverpool went from steady control to full command, and the crowd sensed the shift immediately.
Wolves Fight Back After the Break
If Wolves were going to make a game of it, they needed a fast start to the second half. They got exactly that. Six minutes after the restart, a corner caused chaos in the Liverpool box. Tolu Arokodare rose highest and forced a strong save from Alisson, but the rebound fell kindly for Santiago Bueno. He reacted quickest, smashing the ball home to halve the deficit. Suddenly, the contest had edge again. Wolves grew in belief, while Liverpool were reminded that the job was far from done.
Missed Chances and Rising Tension
Liverpool responded well to the setback, creating several opportunities to restore their two goal cushion. Wirtz came close with a clever effort from the edge of the box. Gravenberch tested the keeper again with a powerful strike. Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister both had moments where a goal looked likely, only for Wolves to scramble clear.
Despite Liverpool’s chances, Wolves never stopped believing. Arokodare had two decent openings, heading and volleying off target. Each missed chance increased the tension inside Anfield, especially as the clock ticked down. This was no longer about flair. It was about focus.
Late Drama and Defensive Grit
As the final quarter of an hour arrived, Wolves pushed numbers forward. Deliveries into the box became more frequent, and Liverpool’s back line had to stay alert.
One moment stood out. Jorgen Strand Larsen whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal that looked destined for Jhon Arias at the back post. Conor Bradley, introduced from the bench, read it perfectly and produced a crucial last ditch interception. It was the kind of contribution that often goes unnoticed, but can decide matches. At the other end, Liverpool managed the game intelligently, slowing the tempo when needed and keeping possession in safe areas. It was not glamorous, but it was effective.
Standout Performances
Ryan Gravenberch was excellent throughout, combining energy with composure and capping it off with a well taken goal. Florian Wirtz showed why Liverpool moved for him, dictating play between the lines and marking his first goal with a calm finish.
Jeremie Frimpong’s direct running was a constant outlet, while Alisson once again delivered when called upon. Even on a relatively quiet night, his presence made a difference.
A Strong Way to Close the Year
When the final whistle blew, there was relief as much as joy. Liverpool had been tested, but they passed. Ending 2025 with a home win, four victories in a row, and clear signs of growth under Arne Slot feels significant.
This was not about dominance or spectacle. It was about doing the basics right, taking key moments, and seeing the game through. Those qualities often define successful seasons. As Anfield emptied into the cold night, the mood was clear. Liverpool head into the next chapter of the campaign with confidence, momentum, and belief that this team is still building toward something special.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com