Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool as Arne Slot’s side edged past Wolves on a poignant afternoon at Anfield marked by tributes to the late Diogo Jota.
Liverpool struck twice in quick succession late in the first half through Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz, then withstood a second-half fightback to secure a third straight Premier League victory.
Wolves, meanwhile, remain without a league win this season.
The occasion carried added emotion as Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, served as mascots and walked out with captain Virgil van Dijk.
Both sets of supporters also joined in song in the 20th minute in honour of Jota, whose number 20 shirt has been retired by Liverpool following his death in a car crash in July.
The forward had represented both clubs during his time in England.
Wolves defended resolutely for much of the opening period, but the deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when Gravenberch finished calmly after being picked out by Jeremie Frimpong.
Just a minute later, Liverpool doubled their lead as Wirtz met Hugo Ekitike’s delivery and slotted past Jose Sa.
The visitors gave themselves hope shortly after the restart when Santiago Bueno converted the rebound after Alisson saved Tolu Arokodare’s header from a corner.
Rob Edwards responded by making three substitutions as Wolves pressed for an equaliser, and Arokodare later headed over from a promising position, but Liverpool held firm to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.
Wirtz’s influence has grown steadily in recent weeks and this performance suggested the German is beginning to justify his £116m price tag.
After providing his first Premier League assist in last weekend’s win at Tottenham, the 22-year-old was Liverpool’s standout performer here.
He threaded a sublime first-half pass to Ekitike, who struck the post, and repeatedly drifted past Wolves defenders with ease.
His goal, finished with composure just before the break, was greeted with a roar that reflected both relief and excitement from the Anfield crowd.
While Liverpool were not entirely convincing, Slot will take encouragement from Wirtz’s emergence, particularly with record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for at least two months with a broken leg.
Wolves’ position remains worrying, with just two points from 18 games, but this was one of their more promising displays of the campaign.
As they did in defeat at Arsenal earlier in the month, Edwards’ side competed bravely and forced Liverpool to work for their win.
Teenager Mateus Mane showed fearlessness on his Anfield debut, while the visitors carried a threat whenever they broke forward.
Liverpool’s vulnerability at set pieces was again exposed by Bueno’s goal, and Wolves’ persistence ensured a nervy second half for the hosts.
Though results continue to elude them, performances like this offer some hope that improvement may yet come.
