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Liverpool maintained their winning run with a 2-1 triumph over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.
Ryan Gravenberch scored the opening goal with Hugo Ekitike doubling the scoreline in the first half. The Reds looked extremely tired in the second half with Idrissa Gueye pulling a goal back.
Despite the tired legs, Arne Slot's men showed great character to hold on to their slender lead and eventually earned crucial three points in a historic fixture.
However, the biggest shock came ahead of kick-off when fans saw Florian Wirtz on the bench after starting each and every game for the Reds this season following his switch from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Germany international has had a slow start to life in the Premier League as he is yet to register a goal contribution for the Reds.
"The same thinking as Mac Allister on the bench against Atletico," Slot told TNT Sports when asked about Wirtz not starting. “Like I said, it’s three games in seven days, not in eight days which is normal, this is Sunday, Wednesday then Saturday, early kick off.
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"This is one of the most intense games we have to play, so we try to manage [the squad] during Burnley and Atletico games.
"For today, I think Dominik Szoboszlai, who played both of those games as well, is more used to the intensity of the Premier League and this programme than Florian, who is coming from Germany.
"So it’s only to do with so many games in limited time. I think he will feature, but not from the start."
The 22-year-old eventually replaced Cody Gakpo in the 61st minute of the match as the Toffees pushed for the equalizer.
What did Slot say about benching Alexander Isak against Everton?
Liverpool broke the British record transfer fee in luring Alexander Isak from Newcastle United this summer.
However, the Sweden international has struggled for fitness since moving to Merseyside and eventually made his debut in their midweek Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid.
Slot highlighted how Isak is not at his best in terms of fitness and also felt that even the Swede would agree with his decision of starting him from the bench against Everton.
"Normally when you don't play a player I don't think there is any player that says, 'Ok I understand your decision', ok maybe they understand it, but they may have made a different one themselves.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you ask him today that he would say it's the best choice for him not to start, but of course it is about match fitness. It was good to see him play for an hour in midweek, let's see how many minutes he can make today."
With this win, Liverpool maintain their perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign across competitions whilst strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League points table.
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