A nervy 2-1 win at Anfield marked by tributes to the late Diogo Jota and a landmark strike for the club’s record signing
Florian Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account on an afternoon heavy with emotion, helping his side to a 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. The win, Liverpool’s third in a row, was far less comfortable than it should have been, with Wolves battling back after a dominant first-half display from the hosts.
The match was preceded by a poignant tribute to former Liverpool and Wolves forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July. Two of Jota’s young sons led the teams out, and both sets of supporters joined in a moving minute of applause in the 20th minute, honoring his retired shirt number.
On the pitch, the £116 million summer signing Wirtz was the creative heart, finally scoring the goal he has been seeking. After seeing Hugo Ekitike hit the post from his exquisite through-ball, the German repaid the striker’s favour in the 32nd minute. He ghosted between two defenders to calmly poke home Ekitike’s cut-back, sending a roar of relief and celebration through Anfield just 89 seconds after Ryan Gravenberch’s opener.
“It’s a special moment for me, of course,” Wirtz said afterward. “But today was about more than football. We played for Diogo’s family. We wanted to win for them.”
Despite controlling the first half, Liverpool’s familiar frailty at set-pieces resurfaced after the break. Hugo Bueno capitalized on a rebound to pull a goal back for Wolves, transforming the atmosphere from celebratory to anxious.
The visitors, still searching for their first win of the season, grew in confidence and finished the stronger side, forcing a crucial last-ditch tackle from Conor Bradley to preserve Liverpool’s narrow lead.
“We made it difficult for ourselves,” admitted manager Jürgen Klopp. “We played fantastic football for large parts, but we have to manage games better. The three points are what matter, and for Flo [Wirtz] to score is a big step. But our thoughts today are with Diogo’s family.”
The victory returns Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, while Wolves’ agonizing winless run extends to 18 matches.
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