Liverpool secured a hard‑earned away victory at Brentford, coming from a first‑half deficit to win 2‑1 in a match that highlighted both the promise and the uncertainty surrounding German playmaker Florian Wirtz. The Reds’ comeback was powered by Wirtz’s creative output, but the result also left manager Andoni Iraola grappling with questions about how best to deploy the 23‑year‑old in a squad still finding its rhythm.
The match began unfavourably for Liverpool, who were reduced to nine men after Brentford’s early red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors created a flurry of chances, especially in the second half when they registered 14 of their 21 total attempts. Wirtz, who was central to Liverpool’s attack, produced nine chances from open play – the highest in a single Premier League game by any player in the past six seasons – matching the record set by Sadio Mané in 2021. His 53 completions from 65 passes (an 81.5% success rate) included a league‑leading 38 passes inside the final third, underscoring his role as the team’s creative fulcrum.
While the statistics paint a positive picture, the tactical impact of Wirtz’s presence remains a topic of debate. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking to BBC Sport, argued that a midfield structure built around a number 10 can leave the team vulnerable. “They got the job done, but they looked too easy to play against,” Murphy said. “With two wingers and Wirtz at 10, the midfield has to cover a lot of space, making it easier for opponents to exploit gaps.” Murphy suggested that a more balanced midfield, perhaps with three central players, could provide a sturdier foundation against stronger opposition.
The win lifted Liverpool to fifth place in the league table, their third victory in seven games under Iraola, who took over from Arne Slot in the summer. The Spaniard’s first away league win came after a long run of 19 winless away matches, and the victory also ended a 19‑match away winless streak that began in December 2023. However, the squad’s injury situation remains a concern. While striker Alexander Isak returned from injury, both Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong were sidelined after Saturday’s match, adding to the managerial challenge of maintaining squad depth.
Iraola acknowledged the demanding schedule, noting that the team had played four games in ten days and would need to rest ahead of a Champions League clash against Villarreal on Tuesday. “We were talking about this run of four games in 10 days, it’s very demanding,” he said. “We have to rest again because we have another big game against Villarreal.” The manager’s focus will now shift to balancing domestic league ambitions with European commitments while addressing the tactical questions raised by Wirtz’s deployment.
With the Reds on a positive run of form but still facing injury setbacks and tactical uncertainties, the next few weeks will be crucial. Liverpool will look to consolidate their league position while preparing for the upcoming Champions League fixture, all while determining how best to integrate Wirtz into a midfield that can withstand the rigours of a congested schedule.