Wirtz Inspires Liverpool Comeback Win Over Brentford
Florian Wirtz supplied the creative spark as Liverpool came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, with head coach Andoni Iraola highlighting the German’s ability to find solutions against a packed defence. Wirtz set up Victor Munoz for the equaliser before Alexander Isak struck the winner.
Match facts
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Brentford 1-2 Liverpool | Premier League, Saturday |
| Wirtz chance creation | 9 from open play | Best total by a visiting Premier League player for more than 15 years |
| Next fixture | Tuesday evening | Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield |
Wirtz’s nine chances created in open play marked an exceptional individual creative output, particularly against a Brentford side Iraola felt defended its penalty area with considerable discipline.
The Liverpool coach said Wirtz was precisely the sort of player required when opponents left only narrow passing lanes around the box. “When you need somebody in that area, you need Flo,” Iraola said. “There are so few gaps, tiny pockets and little time on the ball. You have to spot subtle opportunities because Brentford protect the box extremely well.”
Iraola also included Rio Ngumoha and Munoz among the players capable of supplying the individual quality needed to break a low defensive block. Liverpool repeatedly reached promising attacking areas and, in Iraola’s assessment, retained control for much of the contest.
Bradley Barcola was another prominent attacking presence, although his afternoon included a shot against the crossbar and several missed openings. Iraola was encouraged rather than concerned by the forward’s profligacy, stressing that Barcola’s regular arrival in scoring positions was a positive sign.
“Bradley has probably passed up some clear chances, but I like that he is getting into so many of those situations,” Iraola said. He added that Ngumoha and Wirtz are particularly valuable when Liverpool are facing a side with 10 outfield players behind the ball.
The victory gives Liverpool attacking momentum before their return to European competition. Villarreal visit Anfield on Tuesday evening, when Iraola’s side will seek to carry the same combination of control and creativity into another important fixture.
