Wirtz finally scores in the Premier League as Liverpool beat Palace 3-1

It took until matchday 10, but Florian Wirtz has his first Premier League goal of the season. And it came at exactly the right moment for Liverpool.

The Germany international scored and set up another as the Reds won 3-1 at Crystal Palace, ending a run of two straight defeats in all competitions.

What happened?

Wirtz was back in the starting eleven after Liverpool's recent Champions League game at Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Alexis Mac Allister put the visitors ahead in the 40th minute, heading in a cross from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Then came Wirtz. In the 54th minute Bradley Barcola played him in, and the former Leverkusen man placed a right-footed shot into the far corner. That was the decisive blow.

Alexander Isak made it 3-0 in the 89th minute after a lay-off from Wirtz, so the German had a hand in two of the goals. Edward Nketiah pulled one back from the penalty spot in added time (90+5), but it was too late to matter.

Why does this goal matter so much?

Before Sunday, Wirtz had scored only once this season, in the Champions League against Villarreal. In the league, he had been waiting.

His time at Anfield has not been easy so far. Liverpool signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025 in a club-record deal, and he has since had around one and a half complicated years. A goal and an assist in an away win is a good way to change the mood.

He wasn't the only reason for the result. Goalkeeper Alisson made several important saves, and Liverpool were also lucky early on when a Palace player hit the crossbar. A goal by Jørgen Strand Larsen (33rd minute) was ruled out for offside.

What's next?

Now comes the international break. Wirtz will head off with his confidence boosted, which is exactly what a player in search of his best form needs.

For Liverpool, the three points keep them in the chase near the top of the table after a wobble. After the break, the question is whether Wirtz can turn one good afternoon into a run of them.