Liverpool returned to winning ways with an impressive 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, but Florian Wirtz believes there is still one important area the Reds need to improve.
The German international was among the standout performers at Selhurst Park on Sunday, November 8, 2026, scoring a goal and helping Liverpool secure three valuable Premier League points.
However, despite being pleased with the team’s performance, Wirtz made it clear that Liverpool cannot afford to become complacent. While their away performances have been encouraging, he believes the club must collect more points at Anfield if they want to maintain their position among the Premier League’s leading teams.
Liverpool’s victory was particularly important after consecutive defeats against Fenerbahce and Arsenal had raised questions about their consistency.
The result lifted Andoni Iraola’s side to fourth place in the Premier League table with 18 points from 10 matches. For Wirtz, it was a positive response, but there is still plenty of work ahead.
Florian Wirtz Praises Liverpool’s Clinical Performance
Liverpool demonstrated their attacking quality against Crystal Palace, making the most of their opportunities to secure a comfortable victory.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading home from a well-executed free-kick routine delivered by Dominik Szoboszlai.
The visitors continued their momentum after the interval, with Wirtz doubling their advantage in the 54th minute.
The German midfielder finished a quick attacking move after receiving an excellent pass from Bradley Barcola, producing a composed first-time finish beyond Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Alexander Isak then added Liverpool’s third goal in the 89th minute, while Eddie Nketiah converted a stoppage-time penalty for the hosts.
Reflecting on the performance, Wirtz was particularly pleased with Liverpool’s efficiency in front of goal.
He acknowledged that the Reds had not necessarily created an overwhelming number of clear-cut opportunities, but their ability to convert important chances made the difference.
“It was a good game from us. I’m really happy about the win,” Wirtz told Sky Sports.
He also praised the team’s defensive contribution, describing the result as a good collective performance.
For Liverpool, the victory provided a much-needed confidence boost after a difficult run of results.
Wirtz Identifies One Area Liverpool Must Improve
Despite celebrating the victory, Wirtz did not overlook Liverpool’s remaining weaknesses.
The 23-year-old believes the team must become more consistent when playing at Anfield, particularly when it comes to collecting points in front of their home supporters.
Liverpool have produced encouraging performances away from home this season, collecting 13 points from their opening five away league matches.
That record highlights their ability to compete in difficult environments, but Wirtz believes the same level of effectiveness must translate into home fixtures.
Speaking about Liverpool’s confidence, he explained that the squad understands the quality it possesses.
However, he delivered a clear message about the importance of improving their home results.
“It doesn’t really matter if it’s away from home but for sure we need to get more points also in the home games,” Wirtz added.
His comments underline an important challenge for Iraola’s team.
Winning away matches is valuable, but Liverpool need to make Anfield a more reliable source of points if they want to remain competitive throughout the campaign.
Andoni Iraola’s Instructions Helped Wirtz Find the Net
Wirtz also revealed that his goal against Crystal Palace was closely connected to instructions from Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.
The midfielder explained that the manager had repeatedly encouraged attacking players to make runs into the penalty area.
That approach proved effective during Liverpool’s second goal.
After Bradley Barcola received the ball in space, several Liverpool players moved into dangerous positions inside the box.
Wirtz was among them and managed to find the right position to convert Barcola’s delivery.
He credited the quality of the pass and explained that the manager’s instructions had helped create the opportunity.
The goal was particularly significant because it marked Wirtz’s first Premier League goal of the 2026-27 campaign.
His contribution also demonstrated why Liverpool invested heavily in bringing the talented German midfielder to Anfield.
Beyond his creativity, his ability to arrive inside the penalty area gives Liverpool another attacking dimension.
Liverpool Respond After Two Disappointing Defeats
The victory over Crystal Palace arrived at an important moment for Liverpool.
Before travelling to Selhurst Park, the Reds had suffered consecutive defeats against Fenerbahce in European competition and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Those results increased pressure on the squad to respond positively.
Against Palace, Liverpool showed greater efficiency in decisive moments and managed to secure all three points despite facing a competitive home side.
The result also allowed the team to enter the November international break in fourth place with 18 points.
Several positive aspects emerged from the performance:
- Improved finishing: Liverpool scored three goals despite Wirtz acknowledging the limited number of clear-cut chances.
- Midfield contribution: Mac Allister and Wirtz both found the net.
- Attacking connection: Barcola’s assist highlighted the growing understanding between Liverpool’s attacking players.
- Away consistency: The Reds continued their unbeaten away record in the Premier League.
These factors provide encouragement, although maintaining that standard after the international break will be another challenge.
Can Liverpool Turn Anfield Into a Stronger Advantage?
Wirtz’s comments highlight an issue Liverpool cannot ignore as the season progresses.
The team’s away performances have provided valuable points, but improving their home record could make a significant difference to their ambitions.
Anfield has traditionally been an important advantage for Liverpool, with the atmosphere and support often helping the team perform at a high level.
However, the current campaign has shown that collecting points at home remains an area requiring attention.
Iraola will therefore need to ensure that his players maintain the attacking intensity and defensive organisation displayed against Crystal Palace when they return to Anfield.
For Wirtz, the priority is to build on his latest performance and continue contributing to Liverpool’s attacking play.
His goal and overall involvement against Palace should provide additional confidence as he continues adapting to the demands of English football.
Liverpool have demonstrated that they possess the quality to compete with strong opponents. The next step is turning those promising performances into consistent results, particularly in front of their home supporters.
Wirtz has made his message clear: the Crystal Palace victory was important, but Liverpool still need to deliver more at Anfield if they want to achieve their ambitions this season.
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