In stark contrast to the “chaotic” Europa League performance against Toulouse, which Jurgen Klopp criticized just three days earlier, Liverpool displayed patience and precision in a 3-0 victory over Brentford.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in his sixth consecutive Premier League appearance at Anfield and added a second after the interval. Despite Brentford’s three straight wins coming into the match, Liverpool, now in second place in the Premier League, effectively dealt with their resilience.
Facing one of the league’s most formidable counter-attacking teams, Liverpool pressed vigorously after each turnover. Brentford, led by Bryan Mbeumo’s persistent foraging, posed challenges, but Liverpool created opportunities during transitions.
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Darwin Nunez had two goals disallowed by the assistant’s flag in the opening half-hour. VAR supported the on-pitch official’s sharp observation of Nunez’s offside position before a more routine call. Nunez returned from an offside position to score a rebound after a brilliant save by Mark Flekken from Virgil van Dijk’s shot.
Liverpool’s chaotic moments were tempered when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a precise pass to Nunez, who calmly slid the ball to Mohamed Salah. Taking one touch to set himself, Salah slotted in the opener on 39 minutes.
A tense moment followed as VAR reviewed a potential red card for Wataru Endo’s studs into Christian Norgaard’s shin after the interval. Despite Frank’s disapproval, VAR concurred with the on-field decision, sparing Endo.
Liverpool’s strength with Salah on the field became evident when Kostas Tsimikas chipped a perfectly timed cross to the back post for Salah to nod in, despite Brentford players appealing that the ball had gone out of play.
While Brentford posed threats from set pieces, any lingering hope of a first Anfield victory since the Second World War was extinguished by Diogo Jota’s precise third goal in the 74th minute.
With the game seemingly out of reach, Brentford increased their shot count, but Alisson and Van Dijk ensured a rare clean sheet for Liverpool was preserved.