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Darwin Nunez was Liverpool’s hero as he scored twice in stoppage time in a dramatic win over Brentford to put the Reds six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s wait for a league win in 2025 looks set to continue as Arne Slott’s side squandered opportunity after opportunity – 35 to be exact.
With more points likely to come, Arsenal, who ended up conceding points in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, could have a chance to close the gap to two points, while Brentford are just minutes away from one. distance.
However, substitute Nunez, who has scored just nine goals in the past 11 months, broke the deadlock with his team’s 36th shot of the game and sparked wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguay international has often been criticized for wasting time in front of goal, but he helped his team out of trouble, scoring a stoppage time goal before the final whistle to secure Liverpool’s crucial title victory.
Van Dijk on Nunez’s contribution: ‘We need the best from everyone’
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was full of praise for Nunez’s contribution and called on his side to keep pushing forward in their pursuit of Premier League glory.
“Darwin brought a lot of energy from the day he came in,” Van Dijk said. “As a striker you are judged by your goals. Maybe it’s tougher than ever. 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.
Speaking on the title challenge, Van Dijk added: “Today is just a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep moving forward.”
It shows his quality and how important he is to this team.
It was a cruel blow for Brentford, who had arguably their best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slipped past Maz on overlap. Mads Roerslev. The full-back passed the ball across the six-yard box to Mikel Damsgaard, but the latter failed to finish from close range.
Brentford’s threat continued from the in-form Mbemo, who twice beat Kostas Tsimikas before firing straight at Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, as the first half progressed, Liverpool became increasingly dominant.
Domink Szoboszlai’s shot hit the top of the crossbar and Cody Gakpo was unable to beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken after a stunning counterattack from the league leaders .
Liverpool took 19 shots in the first half but failed to score, and their dominance continued after the break.
Liverpool’s chances kept coming, and they sent out Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Nunez in search of a breakthrough.
The visitors had just eight shots on target in the game as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Flecken. Nunez even spurned a great chance of his own, heading just wide of the goal.
Brentford threatened on the break, with Mbemo and Yoani Vissa denied by Alisson, but ultimately it looked like Arsenal might have a chance to close the gap, with Nunez scoring at the right time and Liverpool are in the right place together to extend their lead at the top of the table and strengthen their title bid.
Darwin Nunez celebrates his goal, Liverpool’s second
The Bad: You wish you had these moments
Liverpool manager Arne Slaughter A late win at the Gtech Community Stadium came as a relief after failing to do so in draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks.
“During the season, you look forward to these moments,” he said. “A lot of times we could have scored a late winner against Manchester United, against Forest, against Fulham. Today we did. We scored in the last seconds.”
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Arne Slott was full of praise for Uruguayan Darwin Nunez after his two goals helped Liverpool secure a crucial win at Brentford.
“We came close to not getting what we deserved. The chances we created were just like Tuesday’s game against Forest – a lot. We came close to not having a win. Add in the winner at the end and that’s our best “I’m glad it’s an important game.
“I don’t just look at the result. We created a lot. But now it’s a win so I don’t have to say look at how we performed. I’m really happy with how we performed. Brentford made it a battle. They had good players and a good game plan and it was a good game, like every time Liverpool are on the pitch.”
Frank: Liverpool are a level above Arsenal and Manchester City
brentford boss Thomas Frank Describing a “complete” Liverpool as the best team in the world and favorites to win the Premier League.
“I think we played a really good game right now against the best team in the world,” Frank said. “We did a lot of things right. We defended well. We gave up chances, but not too many.
“We probably lacked the final front. We had some good chances but it never turned out to be due to late passes or touches. Their centre-backs were very good.”
“No matter who comes here, we always try to win the game from the first minute. We know they will have the ball more but we believe we can win the game.
“I think we’ve just played Manchester City and Arsenal in a short space of time and now Liverpool. For me, (Liverpool) are a level above both teams. They’re complete. Their professionalism Ethics, the way they track, are good indicators.
“They are very good on the pitch. A big threat going forward. They are really, really good. This is the best team in the Premier League and in the world. They are favorites to win the title (title).”
Depth is key to Liverpool’s title challenge
Sky Sports’ Oliver Yew at Gtech Community Stadium:
For a long time it looked like this wouldn’t be Liverpool’s day.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were left without their shooting boots as the ball continued to miss the target.
Liverpool hero Darwin Nunez headed wide from Andy Robertson’s cross before firing a fearsome shot over the crossbar from 30 yards as it looked like the Reds would be on course for a run of league successes starting in 2025. The third game was a draw. Dropping points in the Premier League title race.
But Nunez and Liverpool ended up doing well and Arne Slaughter’s ability to clear Liverpool’s bench with new attacking options was crucial to their bid.
Liverpool, who were without Diogo Jota due to injury, managed an incredible 37 shots at Brentford – a record for a Premier League away side – but it was they who took the pressure on fresh legs. abilities that ultimately get them across the finish line.
Nunez saved the team this time around, but Harvey Elliott, who hasn’t played as much minutes as he would have liked this season, also played a key role off the bench and played a key role in Played a key role in assisting in the second game.
If Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo don’t tempt you, then Nunez, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott will! While other teams in the league are struggling with injuries and depleted squads, this depth could be a key factor in Liverpool’s bid to reclaim the title at Anfield.
