Liverpool edged past Wolves with a 2-1 Premier League victory on an afternoon shaped as much by emotion as by football. Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for the club, Ryan Gravenberch set the tone with a timely opener, and Arne Slot’s side showed composure to secure a third league win in succession. Yet the scoreboard only told part of the story, with Anfield united in remembrance of Diogo Jota.

Both sets of supporters played their part in creating an atmosphere heavy with meaning. Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, walked on to the pitch as mascots alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, a moment that drew a warm and respectful response from all corners of the stadium. Jota, who represented both Liverpool and Wolves, was honoured again in the 20th minute when his song rang out around Anfield. Liverpool retired his shirt number ’20’ following his death in a car crash in July.

Anfield Pays Tribute Before Football Takes Hold

The early stages were understandably subdued. Liverpool dominated possession but Wolves, under Rob Edwards, were well organised and determined to frustrate. There was no shortage of intent from the hosts, but chances were limited as Wolves defended deep and waited for moments to counter.

Gradually, Liverpool increased the tempo. Jeremie Frimpong pushed higher on the right, Hugo Ektike drifted between the lines, and Wolves began to creak under sustained pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute, sparked by precision and movement rather than force.

Gravenberch and Wirtz Provide First Half Control

Gravenberch opened the scoring with a composed finish after meeting Frimpong’s delivery, a reward for Liverpool’s patience. Wolves barely had time to reset before they were struck again. Just a minute later, Wirtz arrived at the far post to meet Ektike’s cross, slotting calmly past Jose Sa to make it 2-1.

For Wirtz, it was a landmark moment, his first Liverpool goal coming in front of the Kop and at a time when the club and supporters were carrying shared grief. Liverpool headed into the interval in control, with Wolves facing a steep task.

Wolves Response Tests Liverpool Resolve

Wolves offered immediate resistance after the restart. Six minutes into the second half, they pulled a goal back through Santiago Bueno, reacting quickest after Alisson saved Tolu Arokodare’s header from a corner. The goal injected belief into the visitors and briefly unsettled Liverpool’s rhythm.

Edwards responded with three changes just after the hour mark, searching for an equaliser. Wolves pressed higher and came close when Arokodare headed over, a reminder that Liverpool could not afford complacency. Slot’s side responded by tightening their shape, slowing the tempo and managing the game with growing authority.

Liverpool’s back line held firm, Van Dijk marshalling calmly, while Alisson remained assured when called upon. The hosts saw out the closing stages with maturity, extending their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

For Wolves, the frustration deepens. They remain winless in the Premier League this season, despite spells of encouragement. For Liverpool, this was a victory built on focus and respect, blending competitive edge with collective remembrance.

On a day when football felt secondary for long stretches, Liverpool delivered a performance that honoured the occasion. The result mattered, but so did the manner in which it was achieved.