Florian Wirtz‘s first goal for Liverpool secured the Reds’ fourth consecutive win, but the second-half performance was far from convincing against the Premier League‘s worst team.
Going in at the break 2-0 up, Liverpool were fully in control. However, conceding their 12th set piece of the season in the league left them with just a one-goal advantage and some second-half nerves.
Thankfully, Wolves didn’t have the quality to capitalise on Liverpool’s fragility, but they did put the Reds under pressure, producing 1.01 xG to Liverpool’s 0.38 xG after the break.
Anfield enjoyed Wirtz’s display against Wolves, but worries remain over Liverpool’s ability to control games of football.
You can be happy with the win and still be fuming with how bad that 2nd half was. We just don't look like a very good team
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) December 27, 2025
“My god that was an awful second half performance – a draw if it weren’t for Bradley – there were some good moments in the first half. I thought Wirtz was outstanding.”
– John Oleary in the This is Anfield
Much like at Spurs, I think a lot of Liverpool fans will come away from this game with a negative feeling based on the latter stages. But on both occasions that could have been avoided by not conceding a set-piece. They are truly dreadful at them and something needs to be done.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) December 27, 2025
Everyone behind the ball deep in own half holding onto dear life with one goal lead against one of the absolute worst sides of all time in Premier League history….
— Jan ?íha (@HonzaRihaftbl) December 27, 2025
“Wirtz’s best game for us this season…feel like we will be saying that a few more times from now to the end of the season.
“You can argue Wolves deserved a draw based on the second half. We just seem to not be able to control a whole game. Been rare this season.”
– Jonny Caramelo in the This is Anfield comments
Love to know what goes on at HT, Liverpool frequently seem to be worse in the second half after a good first 45. Currently being outplayed this half at home by a team with just 2 points. pic.twitter.com/k7Pwh4SV5f
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) December 27, 2025
For God’s sake, this is Anfield – you’re up against a side with just 2 points here. Show some control. #LFC
— SHooMit (@SHoomwitter) December 27, 2025
“No idea if sloppiness is intentional, but that second half is not what I expect, totally unrecognisable from the first half.
“We are lucky that Wolves quality’ was THAT bad, but this is not sustainable.”
– Be HD in the This is Anfield comments
3pts is all I care about don’t wanna hear no negativity about anything else.
Wasn’t vintage, but in reality Wolves didn’t really threaten and felt like no matter how much possession they had in the end we had them at arms length constantly.
UP THE REDS ???
— Karl (@KarlThyer) December 27, 2025
Eerily similar to when Wolves came last season. Only difference being they scored from a set piece rather than a Cunha stunner.
If they don't fix that issue, this season will only go so far.
— Mo Stewart (@The_Mighty_Mojo) December 27, 2025
It’s another win but none of it looks good. There were good moments from Wirtz but the last half an hour there was shocking. It’s a common issue this season.
— LFC Data (@LFCData) December 27, 2025
Our lads are not fit
At some point we chose a strategy of less is more from a training intensity, a gamble that it would lead to great availability
It didn’t and now we can’t run after 60mins
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) December 27, 2025
Florian Wirtz is “going to run the Premier League”…
It’s been another afternoon where pretty much everything positive Liverpool have done has gone through Florian Wirtz. So often looks the most intelligent player on the pitch. Clear from the goal celebrations it is a weight lifted for him.
— Beth Lindop (@beth_lindop) December 27, 2025
Florian Wirtz is generational. His quality is worth more than having to be based on G/A with the chances he creates.
One of the most technically gifted players on the ball I’ve seen in a Liverpool shirt.
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) December 27, 2025
Delighted for Florian Wirtz. That goal has been coming for a long time. He’s been outstanding the last few weeks & one of our most underrated players this season. Unfortunately it felt like some would only appreciate him once he added G+A to his game.
— Jack Gill (@jacklfcgill) December 27, 2025
Florian Wirtz is absolutely world class man, he’s going to run the Premier League wild for a long time
— ?????? (@WilcoFtbl) December 27, 2025
Wirtz's first goal combining with Ekitike too. The idea of both of them together is top. The more they play together, the better. Has been good this season I feel without the goals coming for him so he deserves that.
— Umir Irfan (@umirf1) December 27, 2025
While Liverpool were far from perfect, they are now unbeaten in their last seven matches, having won the last four.
Despite a wafer-thin squad, Slot’s side are picking up points and slowly breaking back into the top four.
This may have been Liverpool’s easiest league game on paper this season, but they still needed to break Wolves down in the first half – not always an easy task when the opposition have 11 men behind the ball.
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