WIRTZ IS OVER

Florian on target again as Slot's men avoid a major slip

- BY PAUL GORST

THERE was a notable sigh of relief around Anfield when Florian Wirtz curled home Liverpool's third goal last night.

Having seen Arsenal and Manchester City blitz lower league opponents at the weekend, Arne Slot would have been hoping his side could repeat the trick and have a comfortable night.

But Barnsley ensured that was never the case and had the Reds ruffled for the majority of the second half.

The scoreline makes it look like Slot did have a simple night - and he will be buoyed by the return of Hugo Ekitike - but the pressure remains on the Reds boss.

Slot named a strong side for this one with Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo all starting alongside Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.