By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Liverpool ended their 2025 calendar year on a high note, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. A frantic two-minute spell late in the first half proved decisive, leaving Wolves winless in 22 Premier League matches.
The afternoon began with a poignant moment of reflection as the children of Diogo Jota—a beloved former player for both clubs—walked onto the pitch to a chorus of applause from the Anfield faithful. Once play began, Arne Slot’s side immediately took control, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute when Florian Wirtz threaded a brilliant ball to Hugo Ekitike, only for the Frenchman’s strike to cannon off the post.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Wolves showed flashes of threat. Eighteen-year-old Mateus Mané, making his first-ever Premier League start, nearly marked the occasion with a goal after holding off Curtis Jones, but his effort was smothered by Alisson.
The Double Blow
As the interval approached, Liverpool’s pressure finally told. After Alexis Mac Allister was denied by the woodwork, the breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. Jeremy Frimpong’s sharp cutback found Ryan Gravenberch, who hammered the ball home to make it 1-0.
Before the visitors could catch their breath, it was 2-0. Just sixty seconds later, Ekitike turned provider, slipping in Florian Wirtz, and the German international made no mistake with a clinical finish to double the Reds’ advantage.
Wolves Fight Back
Wolves refused to capitulate and found a way back into the match six minutes into the second half. Following a corner, Tolu Arokodare saw his header saved, but Santiago Bueno was quickest to the rebound, firing home to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal sparked a tense final period. Liverpool searched for a cushion to restore their two-goal lead, with Wirtz dragging an effort narrowly wide and Curtis Jones forcing a diving save from long range. Ultimately, the Reds’ defense held firm to see out the victory.
Record-Breaking Context
The result continues Liverpool’s remarkable festive dominance, marking their 18th win from their last 21 top-flight matches played between Christmas and New Year’s Day. For Wolves, the statistics make for grim reading; the West Midlands club has now lost 17 of their last 18 league meetings with Liverpool.
While Liverpool celebrates back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September, Wolves’ disastrous 2025 continues. They remain winless in 22 games (D3, L19) and face a daunting task against Manchester United in just three days’ time.
Galaxy Sports Production
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
