Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, with a standout performance from Florian Wirtz, who scored his first goal since joining the club for £100 million from Bayer Leverkusen. The match, held on October 14, 2023, saw Liverpool navigating a challenging game while missing key players such as Mohamed Salah, who is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, and Alexander Isak, sidelined for months due to injury.
Wirtz’s goal came in the 42nd minute, following a period where Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm. The 22-year-old midfielder showcased his skills by maneuvering past Matt Doherty, creating a much-needed offensive opportunity for his team. His goal not only marked a personal milestone but also reflected his growing influence on the team, particularly after contributing an assist in the previous match against Tottenham Hotspur.
In addition to his goal, Wirtz had an impressive statistical performance, recording 104 touches and completing 71 of his 84 attempted passes. He also created three chances, the most of any player on the field, underlining his role as a vital playmaker for Liverpool. Following the match, Wirtz expressed his relief and happiness, stating, “I was confident that I would score one day… I have to accept it. I just know that it will come and I try to keep going like that.”
Wolves Struggle Despite Set-Piece Goal
Liverpool opened the scoring just before Wirtz’s goal, with Ryan Gravenberch finding the net in the 41st minute after a well-executed assist from Jeremie Frimpong. This marked a significant moment for Frimpong, making his first league start since August and adding pace to Liverpool’s right flank.
Despite holding a 2-0 lead at half-time, Liverpool faced a resurgence from Wolves early in the second half. Santiago Bueno’s header from a corner in the 50th minute ignited a tense atmosphere, as Liverpool struggled to maintain their advantage. The Reds have now conceded 12 set-piece goals in the Premier League this season, a statistic that has raised concerns for manager Arne Slot.
Slot acknowledged the shift in momentum following Wolves’ goal, noting, “Of course, if you go 2-0 up at half-time you are expecting a different second half… a goal can change momentum.” He emphasized that while Liverpool maintained possession, the game became much more contested, increasing the pressure on the home side.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Liverpool’s current squad depth is a pressing issue, especially with key players unavailable. The absence of Isak and Salah has left the team needing reinforcements, which may prompt action in the upcoming January transfer window. Despite these challenges, the victory against Wolves extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions, during which they have secured 14 of a possible 18 points in the league.
Slot commended Wirtz’s performance, indicating that the midfielder is beginning to find his place in the team. “He is getting fitter and fitter and was getting closer and closer to his first goal,” Slot said. “I think he was special in a lot of moments.”
The match against Wolverhampton was not just a test of Liverpool’s resilience but also a significant stepping stone for Wirtz. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if this performance is a sign of more to come from their new star, who has finally begun to lift the weight of expectation off his shoulders.
