In Liverpool FC’s 2–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Florian Wirtz set up the opening goal – but it wasn’t his first goal of this Premier League season.
It was only on Wednesday that Florian Wirtz was able to celebrate his first personal success of the season: in Liverpool FC’s spectacular 4–3 Champions League victory over Villarreal CF, the German international scored the goal that made it 4–2 to the Reds.
The goal was intended to give the 23-year-old, who had recently come in for criticism at Anfield Road, a boost. Against Brighton & Hove Albion, he was recalled to the starting line-up by LFC manager Andoni Iraola and made his presence felt in central midfield from the kick-off. In the 17th minute, he appeared to cap off his performance so far: Following a clearance that was too short by Pascal Groß, he scored the 1–0 for the Reds.
It would have been his first goal in this year’s Premier League – but it wasn’t. That’s because, in his attempt to clear the ball, Groß deflected Wirtz’s shot, making it unstoppable for Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Consequently, the Premier League ruled during the first half that Liverpool’s opening goal should be credited as an own goal by Groß.
Reminiscent of Sunderland last season
“We’ve been through this before last season; it was similar then,” said Wirtz speaking to Sky. Last season, he had to wait a long time for his debut goal for Liverpool; in the 1–1 draw against Sunderland on 3 December 2025, a goal he scored was ruled an own goal by Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele. “I can cope with that,” said Wirtz, who wasn’t particularly annoyed by the latest instance of a “goal being stolen” from him.
Wirtz was once again in the spotlight in the second half: after a challenge with Yasin Ayari, he remained on the ground, clutching his right ankle. Although Wirtz tried to carry on and initially played for a few more minutes, he was eventually substituted for Trey Nyoni in the 65th minute.
Wirtz offers a slight reassurance: “Not too bad”
“I don’t think it’s too bad,” he said. Although further tests still need to be carried out, Wirtz does not expect to be sidelined for long. For Liverpool, however, it’s one thing after another: as early as Wednesday, they face Chelsea in the League Cup, then next weekend champions Arsenal visit Anfield Road, before the Reds have an atmospheric Champions League fixture away at Fenerbahçe on 4 November.