Liverpool’s crucial Premier League win comes with a caveat, as an eye-catching Wolves stat leaves Arne Slot under pressure and casts a shadow over the victory
18:08, 27 Dec 2025Updated 18:08, 27 Dec 2025
Arne Slot
Arne Slot will be concerned with his teams performance despite the victory(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool may have taken three vital points, but Arne Slot was left with little room for comfort as a concerning statistic from the Wolves clash emerged.
The Reds signed off 2025 with a 2–1 victory over Rob Edwards' side at Anfield, securing three points thanks to a first goal for Florian Wirtz and a Ryan Gravenberch strike, both arriving within two minutes of each other.
Despite the result lifting Slot’s side to fourth, the win was far from comfortable, with supporters forced to endure another nervy finish against the league’s bottom club.
Liverpool dominated possession before the break but struggled to turn control into clear chances. Their performance dipped after half-time, and familiar frailties from set-pieces resurfaced on 52 minutes when Tolu Arokodare’s header was saved by Alisson Becker, only for Santiago Bueno to convert the rebound.
READ MORE: Liverpool 2-1 Wolves RECAP: Gravenberch and Wirtz goals secure winREAD MORE: Ryan Gravenberch pays respects to Diogo Jota in front of late Liverpool star's children
However, the visitors were unable to find a way back into the game and failed to secure an equalizer. Wolves competed resolutely and, despite being pinned back for long spells, posed regular problems whenever they managed to get on the ball.
Its xG was 1.07. For context, Wolves had played 17 league matches prior to this fixture and had recorded an expected goals figure above one on only three occasions, two of which were boosted by penalties.
The win moves Liverpool above Chelsea into fourth place, at least temporarily, while Wolves remain 16 points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. It also marked Liverpool’s third successive Premier League victory, while Wolves remain without a win in the top flight this season.
It was an emotional afternoon at Anfield as Diogo Jota was remembered by both sets of supporters.
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool managed to secure victory over Wolves despite its struggles(Image: AFP or licensors)
Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, served as mascots and walked onto the pitch alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Wolves skipper Matt Doherty.
The former Liverpool and Wolves forward was further honoured in the 20th minute, when fans from both clubs joined together to sing his song. Liverpool retired Jota’s number 20 shirt following his death in a car accident in July, a tribute reflected throughout the occasion.
After joining Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, Jota went on to score 65 goals during five years at Anfield. His contribution was honoured before kick-off, with The Kop displaying a banner depicting Jota holding the Premier League trophy.
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Liverpool.com says: Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wolves was far from flawless but ultimately effective. The early strikes from Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch set the tone, yet the team’s second-half vulnerability, especially from set-pieces, highlighted lingering defensive frailties.
Despite the nervy finish, grinding out the three points shows resilience and keeps Liverpool firmly in the top-four race. While there’s room for improvement, the victory demonstrates the squad’s ability to secure results even when not at their best—a promising sign as the congested January schedule approaches.