Liverpool sent blunt 'vulnerable' warning as win over Wolves raises eyebrows

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Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves has drawn attention, with some pundits questioning the Reds’ defensive vulnerabilities despite securing the three points

Arne Slot will be concerned with the Reds defensive vulnerabilities

Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Wolves secured three points, but the win also exposed moments of vulnerability that have raised questions about the Reds’ defensive stability moving forward.

Liverpool and Wolves came together in a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, while Florian Wirtz opened his Anfield goal account. Yet the lasting memory from the match was the sense of relief among Liverpool players and fans as Arne Slot’s side managed to hold off the Premier League’s bottom club on a tense afternoon.

Rob Edwards’ Wolves finished the stronger team, but a quick first-half double from Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz secured the win for Liverpool. Beyond that brief burst, the Reds appeared subdued and unconvincing, with Wolves showing more ambition and energy than many visitors typically manage at Anfield.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said Wolves will be disappointed not to come away with more. "A big result for Liverpool, it was not pretty at all but you have to give credit to Wolves," he told the BBC.

"Liverpool were vulnerable in the second half of games and I feel like there was a real fitness aspect. Rob Edwards will be disappointed but a lot of that comes from the half and the team not being able to hurt Liverpool."

While Liverpool’s overall performance remained far from convincing, Slot can take encouragement from Wirtz’s growing influence, particularly with record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for at least two months due to a broken leg.

In recent weeks, the German midfielder has increasingly shown why Liverpool invested so heavily in him. Last Saturday at Tottenham, he recorded his first Premier League assist in a 2-1 win, and he was a standout performer against Wolves.

Florian Wirtz was a standout performer against Wolves(Image: AFP or licensors)

Signed in June for a then-club-record $156 million, Wirtz has carried the weight of lofty expectations. After a slow start, the 22-year-old is finally finding his rhythm. He played a brilliant first-half through ball to Hugo Ekitike, who struck the post, and showcased effortless skill as he weaved past Wolves defenders.

Just before half-time, the pair combined again, with Wirtz calmly finishing to the delight of Anfield, providing a moment of joy and relief. On his first goal, Wirtz said:" It was very nice the feeling on the pitch with the fans around. I was very happy and I still am.

"I was confident that I would score one day. I wanted to start earlier scoring and assisting but it was like this and I have to accept it. I just know that it will come and I try to keep going like that. We played a brilliant first half. We lost the game and got it back.

"Everyone was working hard. In the last 20 minutes, we made it a bit difficult. I cannot explain why. We have to change that. That's how we want to do it. We want to be there and be on top of the table. It's not been an easy start for us but we're doing better and getting the points."