Liverpool snatched another late win at Turf Moor, edging Burnley 1-0 thanks to Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty. But while Salah stole the headlines, the real story of the night was Florian Wirtz—whose electrifying cameo off the bench drew open admiration from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
ARTETA’S BOLD MESSAGE
After the match, Arteta couldn’t hide his amazement at the German’s impact:
“Watching his second-half display, I don’t understand why Slot left him out. If he’s not going to use him, then let him come to me.”
The Arsenal manager, renowned for developing technically gifted midfielders, openly hinted at his desire to work with Wirtz—turning what was already a brewing Liverpool debate into a headline-grabbing statement.
BENCH TO GAME-CHANGER
Once again, Wirtz began the night among the substitutes, a decision that has puzzled Liverpool fans for weeks. But the moment he entered, everything changed. His vision, movement, and creativity carved open a stubborn Burnley defence that had resisted Liverpool’s pressure all evening.
Though Salah converted the decisive penalty, it was Wirtz who orchestrated the late surge—dragging defenders out of position and sparking the sequence that forced the spot-kick.
“HE’S SPECIAL”
Arteta doubled down on his admiration, praising the midfielder’s rare qualities:
“He’s special. You could feel the change in energy and ideas when he came on. Players like him are rare. If Liverpool don’t want him, I’d take him tomorrow.”
SLOT UNDER FIRE
Arne Slot’s cautious line-ups are already under scrutiny, and benching Wirtz only fuels the criticism. Jamie Carragher previously warned that no manager should sideline a player of his caliber—and now with Arteta joining the chorus, the pressure intensifies.
Despite enjoying 80% possession, Liverpool managed just three shots on target before Wirtz’s introduction—numbers that underline his influence.
FANS DEMAND CHANGE
Social media erupted after Arteta’s comments. Many supporters called for Wirtz to start every game, while others joked that Slot risked handing Arsenal a transfer opening.
One fan summed it up perfectly:
“You don’t bench Wirtz—you build around him. Slot needs to wake up before someone else does.”
THE BIG QUESTION
Is Slot carefully easing Wirtz into Premier League life, or does he genuinely doubt his readiness? Either way, rival managers already see his potential.
And after Burnley, one truth is undeniable—Florian Wirtz is far too good to be sitting on the bench.
