Wirtz challenges Liverpool to improve home form after Palace win
Wirtz challenges Liverpool to improve home form

Florian Wirtz has challenged Liverpool to improve their home form after a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace took them back into the Premier League's top four.

The victory at Selhurst Park means the Reds are now top of the table for away games, having taken 13 points from five fixtures against Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, Bournemouth, Brighton and Palace.

Wirtz scored Liverpool's second in south London after Alexis Mac Allister had given Liverpool the lead - and the Germany international playmaker then set up Alexander Isak for a third.

Home struggles

At home, however, the Reds have just one win this term - against Brighton & Hove Albion last month - having lost to Manchester City and Arsenal after draws with Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

Next up for Liverpool is a visit from a Manchester United side who will arrive on Merseyside in the relegation places after 10 games and Wirtz is targeting more victories at Anfield for the campaign ahead.

Wirtz on the win

"I think we are always confident because we know what a team we have and what quality we have," the £116m man said, speaking after Sunday's success over Palace.

"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.

"It was a good game from us. I'm really happy about the win. I think that's all that counts. I would say that we were just efficient in front of the goal.

"We didn't have so many clear chances. Maybe we did, I don't know, but it felt like we didn't have so many big chances. I think scoring three goals is always good. I think we defended also quite well. So, a good team performance."

On his goal

On his goal, which came after good work from Bradley Barcola down the right side, Wirtz added: "It was a great pass to Bradley into the space.

"The manager was talking so much to us to arrive into the box and I think we were with three players in the box. Luckily, the ball came to me and I could score."