Liverpool secured a crucial victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers with a 2-1 scoreline at Anfield on Saturday, marking a significant moment for midfielder Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old scored his first goal for the club since joining for £100 million during the summer transfer window, providing a much-needed boost for the Reds in the absence of key players such as Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.
The match saw Liverpool dominate possession, particularly during the first half. Wirtz, who had been under pressure to deliver following his high-profile transfer, showcased his potential by contributing both defensively and offensively. In the 42nd minute, he capitalized on a clever assist from Andrew Robertson to find the back of the net, sending the home crowd into celebration. His teammates were visibly delighted, suggesting that the weight of expectation had been a concern for Wirtz in his initial months at the club.
With 104 touches throughout the match, Wirtz demonstrated his influence by completing 71 of 84 attempted passes and creating three scoring opportunities—more than any other player on the pitch. This performance hinted at a player finally coming into his own in the Premier League.
After the match, Wirtz expressed his relief and excitement about scoring. “It was very nice, the feeling on the pitch with the fans around,” he told Sky Sports. “I was very happy and I still am. I was confident that I would score one day.” His growing confidence has been evident, especially after contributing an assist in the previous week.
Liverpool’s second goal came shortly after Wirtz’s opener, again highlighting the team’s attacking prowess. This time, Wirtz was the beneficiary of a well-placed pass from teammate Dominik Szoboszlai, further solidifying the Reds’ control of the match. However, the team faced a tense second half when Wolves pulled one back early, with a header from Matheus Cunha. This goal brought with it a renewed sense of urgency for Liverpool, who have struggled to maintain leads this season, surrendering a 2-0 advantage on four occasions already.
Head coach Arne Slot acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly in set-piece situations. “Of course, if you go 2-0 up at half-time, you are expecting a different second half,” Slot commented. “A goal can change momentum, and that is what you saw today.” Despite the late pressure from Wolves, Liverpool managed to hold on to their narrow lead, aided by a critical intervention from substitute Joe Gomez who denied a potential equalizer.
The victory is significant for Liverpool, who remain unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions and have earned 14 of the last 18 points available in the league. Yet, the team’s current injury crisis, exacerbated by Salah’s absence and Isak’s long-term injury, raises questions about their depth going into the January transfer window.
Slot praised Wirtz’s performance, noting that the midfielder’s goal was a relief for both him and the team. “He is getting fitter and fitter and was getting closer and closer to his first goal,” Slot remarked. “I think he was special in a lot of moments today.”
While Wirtz’s goal is a promising sign for the future, the midfielder recognizes that one goal is only the beginning. Liverpool will hope that this marks the start of a prolific period for their new star, as they aim to improve their standings and address the challenges posed by injuries as the season progresses.
