By Jimmy Johnson

Lethargic Liverpool laboured to a lacklustre win over lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield the day after Boxing Day.  Despite going into the break with a 2-0 lead over the Midlands strugglers, the Reds were hanging on at the end, as the game finished 2-1.

It was an emotional day for both Liverpool and Wolves fans, as a heartfelt tribute to mutual former player Diogo Jota was held before kick-off. A stirring rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone - seemingly louder than ever - rang out before the proceedings began.

Credit: BBC

Knocking on The Door

Hugo Ekitike hit the post whilst Tolu Arokodare forced a save from Alisson at his near post during a reasonably open first 15 minutes. After this, Liverpool settled into their groove and forced Wolves onto the defensive.

A rebound fell to Florian Wirtz in the 27th minute after a blocked shot from Ekitike, but Jose Sa was on hand to push the ball onto the post with a brilliant save. 

Liverpool finally broke down their stubborn opponents in the 40th minute, when Jeremie Frimpong played an excellent pullback to Ryan Gravenberch, who slammed the ball beyond Sa at the near post.

Just 90 seconds later, Liverpool’s advantage was doubled - a clever ball through the middle from Hugo Ekitike found Florian Wirtz who showed zen-like composure to find the back of the net with a smart finish. Wirtz's first goal in a red shirt was long overdue, and you could see the outpour of relief from the German as his slow start on Merseyside seems to have finally gotten into motion.

Credit: beIN Sports

Nervy Second Half

Credit: Wolves

Sadly, Liverpool could not carry their momentum into the second half, as Arne Slot’s men seemed indecisive in how they should approach the situation. Their ruthlessness at the end of the first half was swiftly replaced by lackadaisical complacency, allowing Wolves back into the game.

Arokodare bullied Ibrahima Konate in the air from a corner, powering a header at Alisson - the Brazilian international was equal to it, but could only parry the ball into the path of Santiago Bueno, who had a tap-in to make it 2-1.

Liverpool steadied themselves after conceding - Wolves looked to press on, but Liverpool were still creating the better chances. Curtis Jones forced a good save from Sa and Gravenberch ballooned an effort over the bar after the hour mark, following some excellent play down the left flank from Wirtz.

The visitors weren’t done, as Arokodare came close with a header after a great cross from Jackson Tchatchoua  - the former was a thorn in Liverpool’s side all game. He used his physicality to great effect, something Virgil van Dijk and Konate found difficult to deal with. A few minutes later, he hit a volleyed effort just over the bar from inside the box.

Flo-State - Player of The Match

Liverpool will face much stronger opposition in the back end of this tumultuous campaign, however Florian Wirtz seems to be finding his feet at Anfield after early teething problems. It was apparent from early on that the German would be the main utility to unlock a stubborn Wolverhampton Wanderers defence who's game plan was clear - do not concede. Not only did Florian Wirtz aid in the breaking of the deadlock, but 90 seconds later opening his Liverpool goal scoring account.

As weeks progress, we are finally starting to see the Florian Wirtz that lit up the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, a player which on his day can be one of the best around.

Player of the Match - Florian Wirtz

Final Thoughts

Liverpool were able to stumble over the finish line and defeat their opponents, despite the best efforts of Rob Edwards’ men. The Reds may have taken home the three points, but they have little else to celebrate. In a game against such low-quality opposition, one would have expected a more dominant display - especially so at Anfield.