Florian Wirtz hailed by UK media as same old Liverpool problem clear in 'flawed' Wolves win

Florian Wirtz starred as he grabbed his first goal for Liverpool in the 2-1 win over Wolves, but the Reds once again made harder work of what should have been an easy enough outing

Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the 2-1 win over Wolves(Image: Getty Images)

Florian Wirtz will have been breathing a sigh of relief at full-time against Wolves - and not just because he finally scored his first goal for Liverpool.

The German international, and no doubt the majority of people inside Anfield, will have just been happy to see the Reds get over the line, having made harder work of a game they seemed to be in total control of at half-time.

As it turned out, Wirtz’s goal was the all-important winner, and the summer signing was the high point of another somewhat concerning performance as Liverpool struggled to see out its victory against a side that looks destined for relegation.

It was an emotionally charged atmosphere at Anfield on a day that saw poignant tributes to Diogo Jota, with his children taking to the pitch as he was fondly remembered by the two English clubs he represented with distinction.

As ever, the UK’s media was in attendance to see Liverpool’s latest outing - here’s what they had to make of the win over Wolves…

Andy Hunter - The Guardian

"Liverpool and Wolves united in a moving tribute to Diogo Jota on the day Florian Wirtz finally scored the first goal of his slow-burning Anfield career. The lasting impression, however, was Liverpool’s relief at holding off a team that has endured more defeats in the first half of a season than any other in Premier League history.

“I’ve just said to the lads that I’m getting fed up with this,” said Rob Edwards, the Wolves manager. Edwards has been in charge for seven games, but deflation was understandable.

Florian Wirtz has been hailed for his performance against Wolves(Image: Getty Images)

"Wolves, two down at half-time, finished the contest on top and performed with more endeavour and adventure than many visitors to Anfield. But they left with only unwanted records.

"An 18th game without a win from the start of a season means Wolves eclipse Sheffield United’s 17-match winless streak in 2020-21. They are also the first top-flight team since Bolton in 1902-03 not to win any of their first 18 league games. Victory never appeared likely here, certainly not after Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz struck in quick succession in the first half, but a second-half transformation warranted greater reward. Liverpool had to fight to get over the line at on an increasingly tense afternoon."

Richard Jolly - The Independent

"The wait lasted 190 days. More than six months after signing, approaching half-time in his 23rd appearance, with the 27th shot he attempted as a Liverpool player, Florian Wirtz scored. It is safe to say they did not expect the £100m buy to open his account in the bitter Christmas cold but his drought explained the reaction at Anfield. “I am quite sure it was a relief for him,” said Arne Slot.

"There was further relief when the final whistle went as Liverpool laboured to victory against bottom-of-the-table Wolves; it transpired that Wirtz delivered the decider whereas, when he scored, a rout felt feasible. There was a significance for the side and for the statement signing who, with his slow start to life at Anfield, became a symbolic figure in unwanted ways.

"But flawed as this victory was, it was secured by summer signings, with Wirtz’s goal accompanied by assists for two more of the class of 2025. It is far from enough to render Liverpool’s £450m spending spree a success but that signified a step in the right direction for the newcomers."

Paul Joyce - The Times

"Matt Doherty had been left flummoxed by the instant control and quick feet. Mateus Mané was bamboozled as a nutmeg whizzed between his legs and, later, Yerson Mosquera was reduced to pawing desperately at a red shirt as it ghosted beyond him.

"This would be the day everyone inside Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers included, were forced to fall under Florian Wirtz’s spell.

Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool during the win over Wolves(Image: Getty Images)

"Any semblance of doubt about that was quashed when he finally scored his first goal for the club only 89 seconds after Liverpool had taken a first-half lead through Ryan Gravenberch.

"That Wirtz’s strike proved the winner said everything about the sense struggle that still enveloped Arne Slot’s side, even against the Premier League’s bottom club, who pushed for parity until the end. It demonstrated once again how the road to a lasting recovery is not straightforward for the champions."

Dominic King - Daily Mail

"The match was listless. Liverpool huffed, Wolves puffed and, by the end, the reigning champions had done just about enough to creep over the line.

"There was a goal for Florian Wirtz, at long last. It was the decisive one, too. The German, all £116million of him, treated the crowd to some beautiful touches, often giving the impression the ball was made of cloth and his boots were covered in Velcro, such was his ability to make things stick.

"Wirtz tried to lift Liverpool above the ordinary but it wasn’t easy and Wolves made things difficult. They are going to be relegated and they matched the unwanted feat of Bolton Wanderers in 1902-03, of a top-flight team failing to win any of their opening 18 games.

"Yet Rob Edwards, their new head coach, will have left Anfield feeling upbeat. Wolves played with heart and, with a bit more quality, would have caused Liverpool greater problems as they pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments. Here, just when it was needed, was a pleasing show of character."