Florian Wirtz came off the bench to help Liverpool to victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, although one moment from the German before the penalty shootout has led to yet more criticism
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on October 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz suffered another frustrating moment against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has come in for yet more criticism following a frustrating moment for the German international against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Wirtz managed to overcome his injury concerns after twisting his ankle against Brighton at the weekend to take his place on the bench for Liverpool’s latest Carabao Cup clash against his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
The 23-year-old came on just before the hour mark and made no mistake from the penalty spot as the Reds booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to a 6-5 triumph in the shootout at Anfield, having drawn 1-1 during normal time.
Liverpool might not have needed to undergo the lottery of penalties though had Wirtz been on target moments before.
With around 10 minutes remaining, he was presented with a golden chance to make it 2-1 to the hosts as Cody Gakpo headed the ball down to him just a few yards out from goal. Wirtz’s volley was blocked by Levi Colwill though as Chelsea managed to hang on.
Although Wirtz has received a bit more praise for his recent performances, that missed opportunity saw him come in for more criticism, with former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison particularly damning in his assessment while commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on October 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz helped Liverpool to victory over Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
“That's the Wirtz from last season that we are seeing. It's a poor finish,” Morrison said. “Good block from Levi Colwill but it's a poor finish from Florian Wirtz. He's six yards out, put your foot through it!”
Despite passing up that chance, Wirtz was one of six players to find the back of the net as Liverpool came through the penalty shootout, with Giorgi Mamardashvili proving to be the hero after keeping his side in the contest with a save from Emmanuel Emegha.
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Attention will now turn to Sunday’s huge Premier League encounter with Arsenal, with the Reds aiming to narrow the gap to the defending champions to three points.
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz really just can’t win sometimes. Yes, he should score, and judging by the replay, his strike might not have even been going on target, but it was also good defending from Colwill.
Hopefully that doesn’t detract from what have been much more encouraging performances recently from Wirtz. If ever there was a time for him to really put his stamp on the Premier League, it would be on Sunday against the defending champions.