Darwin Nunez was Liverpool’s hero, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win against Brentford that took the Reds seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool’s hopes of winning the league in 2025 looked set to continue as Arne Slott’s side squandered chance after chance, 35 to be exact.
More goals could have been conceded and it looked like Arsenal had a chance to reduce the gap to Brentford to two points with just a few minutes to go, but substitute substitutes who have scored just nine goals in the last 11 months, Nuñez came to the rescue. , breaking the deadlock with his team’s 36th shot of the game, sparking wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguayan international has often been criticized for his wastefulness in front of goal, but his extra goal just before the full-time whistle rescued his side from a predicament and sealed a decisive win in Liverpool’s title bid. A possible victory was secured.
Van Dijk on Nunez’s contribution: ‘We need everyone to be at their best’
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was full of praise for Nunez’s contribution and called on his team to continue chasing Premier League glory.
“Darwin has brought a lot of energy from the day he joined,” said Van Dijk. “As a striker, you are judged by your goals. It’s probably tougher than ever before. He’s working hard and learning.
“You have to earn these things. He left his mark on the game. We need everyone to be at their best. Today was his day.
Regarding the title race, Van Dijk added: “Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep moving forward.”
This shows his quality and how important he is to this team.
This was a cruel blow for Brentford. Brentford had perhaps their best chance of the first half five minutes into the first half when Brian Mbeumo slipped in on Mats Roelslev on the overlap. The full-back flicked the ball across the six-yard box and Mikel Damsgaard was unable to finish from close range.
Brentford’s threat continued to come from the in-form Mbeumo, who beat Kostas Tsimikas twice before hitting Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, as the first half progressed, Liverpool’s dominance increased.
Domink Szoboszlai’s shot hit the top of the crossbar, but Kodi Gakpo was unable to beat goalkeeper Mark Frecken, who had penetrated into the net after a brilliant counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool had 19 shots without scoring in the first half, and their dominance continued after the break.
Liverpool were presented with more and more chances and looked for ways to break through by bringing on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Nunez.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah were unable to trouble Frekken in this game, with the visitors only having eight shots on target. Nunez also deflected a big chance of his own, sending a free header wide of the goal.
Brentford threatened a break as Mbeumo and Yoan Wissa were denied by Alisson, but in the end it was Núñez who was well placed on the right flank as Arsenal looked to have a chance to get within two points. Ta. It’s time to get Liverpool’s title bid back on track.
Darwin Nunez celebrates his and Liverpool’s second goal
Slots: I want moments like this
manager of liverpool alne slot Having failed to win in draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks, it was a relief to grab a late point at the G-Tech Community Stadium.
“You look forward to moments like this all season long,” he said. “There were many moments when we could have scored the winning goal late against United, against Forest and against Fulham. Today it worked for us. We managed to score in the last seconds.”
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Arne Slott praised Darwin Nunez after the Uruguayan’s double gave Liverpool a decisive victory over Brentford.
“We didn’t get what we deserved. The amount of chances we created was the same as against Forest on Tuesday. It was a lot. We almost ended without a win. That, combined with the late win, was the best thing for us.”It was a meaningful game.
“I don’t just look at the results. We produced a lot. But now that we’ve won, I don’t have to say look at our performance. Our performance. I’m very happy with Brentford’s success, they have a good team, the players and a good game plan, as they have every time Liverpool are on the pitch. It was a great match. ”
Frank: Liverpool are one level above Arsenal and Man City.
brentford boss thomas frank He described Liverpool as the best team in the world and favorites to win the Premier League.
“I thought we played a really good game against the best team in the world right now,” Frank said. “We did a lot of things right. We defended very well. We gave chances but it wasn’t much.
“Maybe we lacked that finishing edge. We had some good chances and chances, but they didn’t turn into chances because of the last pass or touch. Their centre-backs were very good. .
“Regardless of who comes here, we always try to win the game right from the start. We knew they were going to have the ball a little bit more, but we believe we can win the game. Ta.”
“I think in a short period of time we played City, Arsenal and now Liverpool. [Liverpool] They are one level above both teams. They are done. Their work ethic and how they approach their past is a good indicator.
“They are very good all over the pitch. They are a threat going forward. They are really, really good. They are the best team in the Premier League and in the world. They are the big favorites to win.” [the title]. ”
Strength in depth key to Liverpool’s title challenge
Sky Sports’ Oliver Yu at Gtech Community Stadium:
For a long time, it looked like this day would never be Liverpool’s.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were not wearing shooting boots, but the ball continued to fly wide of the target.
Liverpool’s hero of the day, Darwin Nunez, headed a free shot from Andy Robertson’s cross, and his shot from 30 yards sent a powerful shot over the crossbar. It looked like the Reds were headed for a third straight league draw heading into 2025. They dropped points in the battle for the Premier League title.
However, Nunez and Liverpool did well in the end. Arne Slott’s ability to empty Liverpool’s bench and give them new attacking options could be key to their acquisition.
Liverpool, without the injured Diogo Jota, had an incredible 37 shots against Brentford, a record for an away team in the Premier League. But it was his ability to withstand that pressure with fresh legs that ultimately got him over the line.
Nuñez came to the rescue at this time, but Harvey Elliott, who did not play as much as he wanted this season, also played an important role, assisting the second goal off the bench.
If you don’t understand Salah, Luis Diaz or Codi Gakpo, Nunez, Federico Chiesa or Harvey Elliott will! And at a time when other teams in the league are struggling with injuries and reduced depth, that depth could be crucial if Liverpool are to bring the title back to Anfield.
