Liverpool and Wolves united in a moving tribute to Diogo Jota while Florian Wirtz grabbed the first goal of his Anfield career after a potential £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen. The lasting impression was the relief inside Anfield, however, from Liverpool players and fans alike, as Arne Slot’s team held off the Premier League’s basement club on a tense afternoon.
Rob Edwards’ visitors finished the stronger side yet were beaten again thanks to a swift first-half double from Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz. That brief flurry aside, Liverpool were subdued and unconvincing as Wolves performed with more adventure and endeavour than many visitors to Anfield.
Jota’s two sons, Dinis and Duarte, and other young family members were mascots for the first meeting between the late striker’s two English clubs since his tragic death in July. It was a lovely touch by Liverpool to involve the family so closely in proceedings though heartbreaking to see the children walk out alongside Virgil van Dijk with their mum, Jota’s widow Rute Cardoso, watching on from the sidelines and their dad’s retired number 20 on their backs. The Liverpool captain looked after the youngsters brilliantly throughout the warm-up. Wolves supporters sang their Jota song in the 18th minute and Liverpool fans followed suit with their customary tribute in the 20th.
