Florian Wirtz Denied First Liverpool Goal as Premier League Confirms Nordi Mukiele Own Goal in 1–1 Draw vs Sunderland
Florian Wirtz was forced to postpone his dream moment after the Premier League confirmed that Liverpool’s equaliser in their 1–1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield on Thursday (4 December 2025) was officially recorded as an own goal by Nordi Mukiele, not by the German midfielder.
A Tense Night at Anfield
The atmosphere at Anfield was electric from the opening whistle, but the tension only grew as Sunderland surprisingly struck first.
In the second half, Chemsdine Talbi unleashed a superb long-range effort that curled into the top corner, momentarily silencing the home supporters and putting the visitors 1–0 ahead.
Liverpool reacted with immediate urgency. They pushed Sunderland deeper and deeper into their own half, dominating possession and creating waves of pressure around the penalty area.
The breakthrough finally arrived when:
-
Florian Wirtz fired a shot from inside the box,
-
The ball deflected sharply off Nordi Mukiele,
-
The unexpected change of direction wrong-footed the Sunderland goalkeeper and rolled into the net.
Wirtz celebrated passionately, believing he had finally scored his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool for a record-breaking fee of £116 million last summer.
For a brief moment, it looked like the goal would mark a symbolic turning point in his challenging debut season.
Premier League Review Cancels Wirtz’s Celebration
However, the celebrations were short-lived. The Premier League’s Goals Accreditation Panel reviewed the footage and ruled that the deflection from Mukiele was significant enough to change the shot’s trajectory.
As a result, the goal was officially attributed as:
Own Goal – Nordi Mukiele
This decision means Wirtz’s search for his first Premier League goal continues. The 22-year-old midfielder will have to wait longer for the milestone fans expected him to reach early in the campaign.
Liverpool Earn a Point, Sunderland Leave With Pride
Despite the disappointment for Wirtz, the 1–1 draw still gave Liverpool an important point in their pursuit of climbing the Premier League table. Sunderland, meanwhile, returned home with confidence after securing a result at one of the toughest stadiums in England.
Wirtz’s Struggles Continue: Still No Goals for £116 Million Star
Luck simply hasn’t been on Florian Wirtz’s side this season.
Signed with enormous expectations, the former Bayer Leverkusen star was brought in to add creativity, goals, and flair to Liverpool’s front line under Arne Slot.
But the reality has been far harsher.
-
17 appearances in all competitions
-
0 goals scored
-
Only 3 assists
-
Dropped from the starting XI in recent games
For a player who dominated the Bundesliga and arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest talents, the numbers have been underwhelming.
Liverpool supporters, the club’s leadership, and the coaching staff are all hoping he can turn things around before frustration grows deeper.
Arne Slot previously urged fans to be patient, stating that Wirtz needed time to adapt to the Premier League’s speed and physicality—yet the pressure continues to mount.
Transfer Rumors: A January Exit Already on the Horizon?
Reports in England and Germany suggest that Wirtz could be allowed to leave on a temporary basis during the January 2026 transfer window. A loan move has been discussed internally as a possible solution to help him regain confidence and consistent playing time.
Liverpool made headlines in June when they shattered the Premier League transfer record to bring Wirtz to Anfield in a £116 million deal. Expectations were sky-high from the moment he signed, but his slow adaptation has sparked debate about whether he fits Slot’s tactical system.
With competition for midfield places intensifying, Wirtz has struggled to secure regular starts. His recent performances have been described as hesitant, lacking rhythm, and far below the standards he set at Leverkusen.
If the situation does not improve soon, Liverpool may be forced to make a difficult decision—one that could temporarily end Wirtz’s Premier League journey before it ever truly begins.
ALSO READ :
- SBOTOP : Mikel Arteta Names the Arsenal Signing Responsible for Their 2025/2026 Breakthrough
- SBOTOP : Premier League Highlights: Liverpool Draw, Chelsea Defeated, Arsenal Beat Brentford 2–0 to Stay in Title Hunt
- SBOTOP : Premier League 2025/26 Highlights: Manchester City Win 5–4 Thriller, Tottenham Escape late Newcastle Pressure
