Liverpool can still smile with good news amid bad, after beating Brighton to rise to 4th place in the Premier League.
On 26 October 2026, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola spoke after the English Premier League Week 8 match in the 2026-27 season, where Liverpool hosted and defeated Brighton, a team with strong early-season form, 2-0.
Liverpool scored two quick goals: first in the 17th minute when Florian Wirtz's shot deflected off Pascal Groß into his own net, then Alexander Isak scored in the 21st minute. This victory moved Liverpool from 5th to 4th place on the Premier League table, increasing their total to 15 points, six points behind leaders Manchester City.
However, Liverpool faced bad news as German international attacker Florian Wirtz, who had been regaining form and contributing to goals in four consecutive matches, suffered an ankle injury and was substituted off for Trey Neoni in the 65th minute.
Liverpool is currently awaiting the club medical team's assessment. Initial signs suggest Wirtz's injury is not severe. Iraola said, "Unfortunately, he had to leave the field due to a slight ankle sprain."
"Preliminary checks suggest it’s nothing serious, but since we have matches every three days, we need to monitor his condition carefully."
Liverpool's next match is the 2026-27 Carabao Cup fourth round, hosting fifth-placed Premier League side Chelsea on Wednesday, 28 October.
