Florian Wirtz excites as Federico Chiesa reality for Liverpool clear - 5 talking points vs Wolves

Liverpool narrowly beat Wolves at Anfield to move up to fourth in the Premier League standings. This is what we spotted, with Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz scoring.

Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring Liverpool's second against Wolves.(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Florian Wirtz is off the mark in a Liverpool jersey and Jeremie Frimpong impressed for Arne Slot's side, but the Reds only just managed to get over the line against the Premier League's worst team.

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch broke the deadlock against Wolves five minutes before half-time and then Wirtz doubled Liverpool's lead almost immediately. From there, things should have been straightforward. Santiago Bueno, though, found the back of the net minutes into the second half, with Ibrahima Konate outmuscled as a cross came in.

With only one goal in it, things got a little nervy at that point. Wolves didn't have loads of chances, but Liverpool should have been in far greater control. Here are the five things Liverpool.com spotted as the game unfolded.

Florian Wirtz excites

Wolves have a dire record in the Premier League so far this season, with only one more fixture to play before the halfway mark. Heading into this game, it had two points and had only scored nine goals.

For that reason, reading too much into whether or not this was a step forward or a worry for Liverpool in the grand scheme of things would be unwise. That it was not easier win in the end was perhaps a sign that not everything is back to normal just yet.

Wirtz and Ekitike won't play many teams as open as this or as willing to leave spaces to exploit. That they were able to make the most of them, however, was obviously a good thing.

There were moments when Liverpool was uncomfortable at the back and occasions where it should have been more able to take the sting out of things. It wasn't completely convincing, but certainly more than a month or so ago.

Liverpool have some important fixtures coming up in the Premier League(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))

Jeremie Frimpong excellent

Jeremie Frimpong came to Liverpool with one trait standing out above the rest: pace. The former Bayer Leverkusen man had typically played as a wing-back in Germany. Given the limitations Wolves have, he was basically allowed to do that here before he switched to the right wing.

This week, Slot said he had signed Ekitike in part because of his speed, and that must surely apply to Frimpong too, at least as much, if not more. He is so quick across the ground that when he does lose possession, he can usually recover.

Frimpong's quick feet set up a goal here when he got to the byline, and that kind of movement, against a low block, is hugely valuable. He was direct and pacy and really seemed to enjoy himself, particularly in the first half.

Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool is challenged by Hugo Bueno of Wolverhampton Wanderers.(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Federico Chiesa chance

Federico Chiesa had only started one Premier League game before this one (the meaningless defeat at Brighton at the end of last season, when Liverpool had already wrapped up the title).

Given a rare chance because of injuries and the suspension for Dominik Szoboszlai, the Italian struggled to get involved in the first half. He was stationed out wide but didn't get many touches.

Those calling for him to play more often might get their wish, given there aren't many others available at the moment, but this was a reminder of why he doesn't play every week. He is perhaps most effective as a substitute.

(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Hugo Ekitike in form

Hugo Ekitike had scored five goals in his last three games for Liverpool in the Premier League. In each of those games, he was someone who could be relied upon for a decisive moment in the final third, if not a performance across the 90 minutes.

That was very much the case here. Ekitike wasn't hugely involved and he didn't score himself, but came alive when he needed to. His pass into Wirtz, for example, was a simple one, but it was perfectly executed.

He pressed well and looked sharp. This was another step in the right direction for a man who will have to continue that way with Alexander Isak out for the long-term.

(Image: AFP or licensors)

Liverpool up to fourth

Manchester City left it late to beat Nottingham Forest and then Arsenal got over the line against Brighton. Liverpool, though, can only focus on doing its own part well (and indeed more convincingly than this).

Liverpool is chasing a place in the Champions League spots for the time being. Beating the division's bottom side is hardly a major indicator of exactly where it is at right now, but it still needed to be done.

Moving up to fourth (at least until Chelsea plays later) and getting over the line, Liverpool did the business, just about. It was pretty nor comfortable, but it was, in the end, mission accomplished.