Wirtz creates nine chances as Liverpool fight back to beat Brentford

Published: 2026-10-17 20:51:52

Florian Wirtz produced a creative masterclass as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Brentford 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Germany international created nine chances from open play and assisted Victor Munoz’s equaliser.

Brentford had taken the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter before the contest turned in a chaotic end to the first half, with Yehor Yarmoliuk sent off. Wirtz helped Liverpool take advantage after the break, setting up Munoz before Alexander Isak scored on his return from injury to put the visitors ahead.

Brentford finished with nine players after Vitaly Janelt, already booked for dissent, was dismissed in stoppage time for bringing down Rio Ngumoha. Liverpool held on despite late pressure.

Iraola praises Wirtz’s influence

Wirtz’s nine chances were the most by any player in a Premier League match since January 2021, when Sadio Mane created nine for Liverpool against Burnley. The previous away player to reach that mark was Samir Nasri, who made 10 chances for Manchester City against Tottenham in August 2011.

Andoni Iraola praised Wirtz’s ability to find openings in a crowded attack. “There are very few spaces, small pockets, no time on the ball,” he said. “There are some delicate things you have to find because Brentford are a team that defend their box really, really well. I think you need players like Flo, like Rio, like Victor.”

Iraola said he was pleased with Liverpool’s play before Isak’s goal but less satisfied with how the team handled the advantage. “After you score to make it 2-1, then you feel like you have something to lose,” he said, adding that missed counter-attacking chances allowed the game to remain open.

Red-card debate remains unresolved

Yarmoliuk’s dismissal was disputed after he appeared to thrust his head towards Jeremy Jacquet during a tussle before a corner. Iraola said he was “not sure” after watching the incident back. Keith Andrews, meanwhile, said Liverpool had been “cute and clever” but added that Yarmoliuk “needs to do better”.