Arne Slot and Rob Edwards pay tribute to Diogo Jota following emotional Anfield clash

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Following an emotional meeting in the Premier League between Liverpool and Wolves at Anfield, Arne Slot and Rob Edwards honored Diogo Jota, remembering the striker’s legacy

Liverpool and Wolves both honored Diogo Jota in the first meeting between the two sides since his tragic passing(Image: AFP or licensors)

Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Wolves manager Rob Edwards paid heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota following an emotional clash at Anfield.

Jota’s children, Dinis and Duarte, led both teams onto the pitch before Liverpool faced Wolves in the Premier League, representing the two English clubs their late father had played for.

The match marked the first meeting of the sides since Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically passed away over the summer, making the occasion particularly poignant.

Captains Virgil van Dijk and Matt Doherty walked alongside the children, who wore the number 20 in tribute, while Jota’s widow, Rute, was also present. In the 20th minute, Liverpool fans sang the now-customary rendition of Jota's Anfield song, prompting applause from the away supporters.

Speaking after the game, both managers reflected on the occasion. "Difficult but in a way also special and nice" said Slot. "The football world showed how to behave in moments like this.

"Our fans have been incredible since the tragedy happened until today. Every single moment they did what you would hope they do in memory of him. Today the away fans showed it is not only about our fans.

"In the 18th minute, they started singing for Diogo, the Wolves fans, and ours were clapping and in the 20th it was the opposite way around. You guys know how special English fans are and today we showed to the world."

Edwards said: "It was a really poignant moment and really emotional for a few of our staff. With his family here today, it was emotional for two clubs he represented so well. Liverpool are a very classy club."

The sons of Liverpool's late Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, Dinis and Duarte and other family members take part in pre-game activities to honor him(Image: AFP or licensors)

Liverpool secured its third consecutive Premier League win with Florian Wirtz taking the spotlight against Wolves.

Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring, finishing from a Jeremie Frimpong pull-back and dedicating the goal to Jota by mimicking the Portuguese forward’s signature shark-style celebration. Wirtz then doubled the lead with a close-range finish after being set up by Hugo Ekitike, who had carved out plenty of space.

However, the game became tense shortly after the break as the Reds’ ongoing vulnerability from set-pieces was exposed once again. Ibrahima Konate was outjumped by Tolu Arokodare, allowing Santiago Bueno to halve the deficit. Liverpool managed to hold on, but nerves remained, particularly when Arokodare headed over a promising chance with around 15 minutes remaining.

While it was far from a convincing display, Liverpool can take comfort from Wirtz finally delivering, particularly as record signing Alexander Isak is sidelined for at least two months with a broken leg.