Liverpool edge past Wolves 2-1 in the Premier League, with Florian Wirtz finally scoring a first goal for the club and Ryan Gravenberch also on target. Santiago Bueno replies for Wolves after half-time,
but Arne Slot’s side hold on. The result gives Liverpool a third straight league win, easing pressure from a difficult earlier run.
Wirtz, a Germany international signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £116million fee, breaks the deadlock on a personal level at Anfield. The attacking midfielder needs 21 Premier League attempts, including seven on target, before finding the net. That wait ends as Wirtz finishes part of a quick double just before the interval.
Slot has been vocal about Wirtz’s wider contribution, beyond scoring, during the early months. The playmaker has already supplied chances for team-mates and recently assisted Alexander Isak against Tottenham. Reflecting on the latest performance, Slot tells Sky Sports: "The team have seen how much he did already for us, creating chances and being so close to a goal. "
Slot addresses the scrutiny that follows a forward without a goal return. "Everyone in football knows if you don’t score what is said about you. For him to score his first goal is nice, but it’s only the start. With his qualities, he will go on and score many more goals than only one for us. I think Florian did more than only score today. "
Against Wolves, Wirtz combines the goal with strong individual numbers in possession and attack. The midfielder completes seven of nine attempted dribbles, a figure matched by few players this season. Only Iliman Ndiaye, with nine against Liverpool, and Jeremy Doku, with eight against Burnley, have recorded more successful dribbles in a single Premier League match.
The win also extends an improving league run for Liverpool, who have now claimed three consecutive Premier League victories. That streak already brings more points than the previous ten league fixtures combined. Slot’s side move closer to the top positions after what Slot and players have described as a challenging start to the campaign.
Liverpool Premier League match context and Wolves record
For Wolves, the result compounds a difficult Premier League season. The team set a new record for the worst start to a Premier League campaign, gaining only two points from 18 matches. Despite the defeat, the visitors briefly threaten a comeback when Bueno scores early in the second half, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
One positive for Wolves arrives through 18-year-old Mateus Mane, who makes a first Premier League start. Mane impresses with intensity and confidence, carrying the ball forward and pressing Liverpool’s defence. Wolves head coach Rob Edwards praises the youngster’s display, highlighting work rate in a period where the club struggles for results and confidence.
Edwards states: "I thought he was excellent. His energy was brilliant, his running was brilliant. He was brave, he took the ball. He’s a real shining light in what is a difficult period for the club at the moment. He showed real desire to run and fight. Everything you’d want in a young footballer, he showed that today. "
First goal Player of the Match @carlsberg | #Ad pic.twitter.com/iy9ClQyOZALiverpool FC (@LFC) December 27, 2025
Liverpool Premier League ambitions and Wirtz response
After the match, Wirtz describes a sense of relief and enjoyment following the first Liverpool goal. The atmosphere at Anfield stands out for the midfielder, who has been under pressure because of the transfer fee and the goal drought. Wirtz explains that personal belief has not faded, even during the scoreless run.
Wirtz says: "It was very nice, the feeling on the pitch with the fans around. I was very happy and I still am. I was confident that I would score one day. I wanted to start earlier scoring and assisting but it was like this and I have to accept it. I just know that it will come and I try to keep going like that. We want to be there and be on top of the table. It’s not been an easy start for us but we’re doing better and getting the points. "
The combination of Wirtz’s first Liverpool goal, the continued winning run in the Premier League, and promising signs from young talents such as Mane gives both clubs clear talking points. Liverpool focus on building momentum in the title race, while Wolves look to convert individual displays into improved results after a historically poor opening sequence.
