Wirtz opens Liverpool account in edgy 2-1 win over Wolves

Florian Wirtz finally scored his first goal for Liverpool as the Reds edged to a less-than-comfortable 2-1 Premier League victory over bottom side Wolves.

A week after registering his first league assist, the Germany international stepped up another level, pulling the strings as Liverpool claimed a third successive league win. Wirtz had previously been denied his maiden goal when his effort against Sunderland three weeks ago was credited as an own goal.

In a match reported by ESPN, the 22-year-old was central to everything Liverpool did well in attack.

He first slipped a delicious early through-ball to Hugo Ekitike, who struck the post, before making the most of the striker’s return pass. Showing the composure that defines his game, Wirtz ghosted between the centre-backs, shifted the ball from under his feet and poked it past José Sá.

His goal came just 89 seconds after former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong had teed up the opener for Ryan Gravenberch.

The midfielder marked the moment with Diogo Jota’s crocodile celebration on an emotional afternoon involving the late forward’s former clubs.

Tributes continued throughout the match, with Wolves supporters singing in memory of their former player in the 18th minute, and Anfield rising as one in the 20th minute — the number of Jota’s now-retired Liverpool shirt. Jota and his brother André Silva died in a car crash in July.

Liverpool had dominated the first half almost entirely in Wolves’ final third, with Alexis Mac Allister also striking the post before Frimpong burst past João Gomes and Bueno to cut back for Gravenberch to fire home.

Moments later, the roar at Anfield grew even louder as Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account with a composed finish.

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