In an emotionally charged afternoon at Anfield, the game's decisive moment brought more relief than joy. Florian Wirtz, after receiving a well-placed through ball from Hugo Ekitike, managed to slip the ball past Wolves' goalkeeper Jose Sa. This marked Wirtz's first goal for Liverpool in his 23 appearances since his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
The German international was immediately swarmed by his fellow Reds players as he celebrated near the corner of the Main Stand and the Anfield Road end. The home crowd also recognised the importance of this long-awaited goal for a player whose contributions haven't always been reflected in the scoreline, despite his growing influence on Arne Slot's evolving team.
An earlier instance of this was seen when Wirtz's excellent pass allowed Ekitike to take a shot at the Wolves defence, only for it to hit the far post.
However, Wirtz has demonstrated remarkable resilience recently. Although playing off the left flank wasn't where Slot initially envisioned his high-profile signing, it has given the 22-year-old a consistent starting position, allowing him to build confidence, form relationships with his team-mates, and gain experience in the Premier League.
Indeed, it was fitting that the game's standout player, Wirtz, clinched the match, scoring barely a minute after Ryan Gravenberch had capitalised on Jeremie Frimpong's pullback to shatter the determination of a well-drilled but limited away side.
Interestingly, Wirtz's two key moments came from a central position, underscoring the attacking freedom he has been granted by Slot, despite being ostensibly positioned on the wing.
When Liverpool made things tricky for themselves by conceding yet another goal from a set-piece, with Santiago Bueno poking home after Alisson Becker had saved a header from Tolo Arokodare, Wirtz put in a commendable defensive shift. This was highlighted when he sprinted back to clear the ball as the defence hesitated.
The standing ovation he received from the home crowd upon his late substitution spoke volumes.
Wirtz, therefore, ensured Liverpool concluded a turbulent year on a high note. The growing suspicion now is that this attacking midfielder is just beginning to make his mark at Anfield.
Roll on the New Year.