Liverpool put in another lifeless performance as they struggled to a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield.
The Reds had given themselves a platform to build on after beating West Ham on Sunday, but could not pick up another confidence-boosting win.
It could have been worse for Liverpool after conceding the game’s opening goal in the second-half.
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Who was your Man of the Match against Sunderland?
Florian Wirtz pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
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As the clock ticked into the final 10 minutes and the Reds stared down a third successive Anfield defeat, Florian Wirtz saved the game with a lovely jinking run and finish to level things up.
Unfortunately for the German, the strike ultimately went down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal. And as he awaits his first Premier League goal contribution, Wirtz cannot even claim the assist either.
Florian Wirtz’s wait for a goal contribution continues
Wirtz was arguably the most popular goal-scorer there could have been at Anfield on Wednesday.
After watching the ball leave his left boot and fly into the Kop end goal, Liverpool supporters let out a collective scream of relief and delight.
Florian Wirtz forces an own goal for Liverpool during the Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Liverpool’s player ratings vs Sunderland as Reds steal a point despite lacklustre performance
However, the ball was going wide from Wirtz’s shot, meaning Mukiele is the unfortunate recipient of an own goal.
And as per Premier League rules, the Sunderland man’s own goal will not be given an official assist.
As a result, although he technically brought the game back level for Liverpool, Wirtz is left without either a goal or assist.
Now 13 Premier League games into his Liverpool career, the 22-year-old is still waiting to get on the board in either metric. How frustrating.
Florian Wirtz spared Liverpool’s blushes vs Sunderland, rate his performance out of 10!
Florian Wirtz stats for Liverpool vs Sunderland
xA: 0.16
Key passes: 3
Accurate passes: 52/59 (88%)
Passes in opposition half (acc.): 42/50 (84%)
Ground duels (won): 5 (3)
xG: 0.71
Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz during Liverpool vs Sunderland
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
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Wirtz goal only a matter of time
For those readers who enjoy playing fantasy football, it turns out that Wirtz will be awarded the assist and therefore the points that go with that.
However, in terms of putting something on the board where it matters, the Germany international is going to have to wait.
No matter, given his performances over the past two games, it feels likely that he will not be waiting for too much longer.
Wirtz was Liverpool’s best player against both West Ham and Sunderland, and is clearly beginning to find his feet with the Reds.
So, while he may have seen this one struck off, it surely won’t be long before he makes one count.
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