Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers clashed in a Premier League meeting at Anfield on December 27.
The Merseyside outfit went into the fixture aiming to go seven games unbeaten across all competitions.
Liverpool had injury issues prior to kick-off, including Alexander Isak and Joe Gomez missing out.
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Who was Liverpool’s best player during the 2-1 win over Wolves?
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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In turn, Arne Slot made some key changes versus Wolves, but his side should still have been favourites going up against a team yet to win a match in 2025/26.
Liverpool dominated from the get-go, and Hugo Ekitike hit the post after 10 minutes before Ryan Gravenberch eventually opened the scoring after 40 minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong made a brilliant run into the box before cutting the ball back to his countryman, who slotted into the bottom corner of the Wolves net.
Just a couple of minutes later, Florian Wirtz opened his account as a Red to make it 2-0.
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However, Wolves hit back just six minutes into the second half from a set piece. But Liverpool were just about able to hold out for the three points.
Federico Chiesa had a point to prove vs Wolves
One of the main sticking points among the fanbase this season has been how Slot has used Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa helped save the Liverpool manager earlier this month when he came off the bench and made a goal-saving clearance in the draw with Sunderland.
Yet, the Italian has hardly featured in the Premier League this season, even when Mohamed Salah has been benched or dropped.
But with Szoboszlai suspended for this fixture, the former Juventus man was finally given a league start, a chance he needed to take if he wanted to potentially keep his place in the eleven while Salah is away.
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Obviously, coming up against such a poor Wolves team was always going to be something of a free hit, especially at home.
However, the Reds’ squad on the day did highlight the issues facing the club going into January.
Even with Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley deemed fit enough to be included, Liverpool’s matchday squad was lacking quality depth.
Slot’s bench on the day was largely made up of youngsters, with Gakpo the only first-team regular who could realistically come on and have much of an impact in the final third.
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Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
Credit: Carl Recine/Liverpool FC/Getty Images
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It has been reported this week that Liverpool may not do much business in the winter window, but that could prove to be a mistake.
They play nine games in January alone, and any further blows to the team could hinder their chances of making the top four massively.
Liverpool are especially light at centre-back and could perhaps do with another pacey winger.
Arne Slot during Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The problem facing Arne Slot later this season
Saturday’s action also highlighted a problem Slot will need to address later this season.
Salah, at the latest, will make his return to Anfield after the AFCON final on January 18.
Meanwhile, Isak could be back from injury sometime in March. But when the Swede does return, where will he play?
Wirtz impressed fans yet again with his performance on Saturday, and he’s been in top form since moving out onto the left wing.
Right now, a frontline of Wirtz, Ekitike and Salah with Szoboszlai playing as the 10 is probably Slot’s best attack, but that would mean there is no place in the squad for Isak when the striker is eventually back from injury.
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