Florian Wirtz denied first Liverpool goal as statement released

Florian Wirtz denied first Liverpool goal as statement released after Sunderland equaliser

The Premier League have released a statement after Florian Wirtz thought he had equalised for Liverpool against Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday night

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The Premier League have confirmed that Liverpool’s equaliser against Sunderland will go down as an own goal. Florian Wirtz thought he had drawn his side level when he fired past Robin Roefs.

However, although the goal was allowed to stand, it has gone down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal. Confirming the decision, the Premier League Match Centre said: “The goal accreditation panel has adjudged Liverpool’s 81st minute goal as a Mukiele own goal.”

Wirtz’s goal came on another difficult night at Anfield for his side. Mohamed Salah once again started on the bench, but unlike against West Ham United at the weekend, he was introduced at the break in place of Cody Gakpo.

However, he could only watch on as Sunderland took a deserved lead through Chemsdine Talbi. The forward's 25-yard shot deflected off Virgil van Dijk and beyond the reach of Alisson Becker.

But nine minutes from time, a bit of magic from Wirtz presented an opening, and his strike went in off Mukiele. Sunderland, though, almost snatched victory in stoppage time when substitute Wilson Isidor raced clear, but Federico Chiesa got back to clear his shot off the line.

Despite missing out on his first Liverpool goal, Wirtz was more concerned about the result. When told it won't go down as his goal, the German said: "Doesn't matter today, we draw and wanted to win today. We were unlucky."

Reacting to the draw, Jamie Carragher said live on Sky Sports: "In some ways I think Sunderland will be disappointed with a point. Liverpool have been really worrying.

“Sunderland were fantastic, but Liverpool, the performance was really, really worrying. It feels like a step back.

“They didn't look like scoring. They were lacking zip, energy, pace and power. It's really worrying."

Next up for the Reds is a trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United on Saturday evening. The Whites returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday night.

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