Liverpool extended their league at the top of the Premier League to five points after defeating Brentford 4-1.
Goals from Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and the returning Mohamed Salah secured the three points for the Reds, who now wait patiently for Arsenal and Manchester City’s results, with both sides playing later in the day.
Here are five things we learned from another crucial match in the title race…
Flekken beginning to turn a corner
Replacing a goalkeeper of such importance to a side like David Raya was to Brentford was always going to be tough. Dutchman Mark Flekken was brought in from German side Freiburg to replace the Spaniard, and the shot stopper had a difficult start to life in England. Prior to his wonder show against Manchester City, in which Flekken made 12 saves, the 30-year-old statistically had been the worst performing goalkeeper in the league. Since then, he has been in fine form, and made a number of key saves to deny Liverpool’s potent attack.
Brentford fail to capitalise on Liverpool’s vulnerability
Ivan Toney was at the forefront of all things good for Brentford in attack, but the home side were unable to take advantage. By half-time, the Bees had had eight shots, but only three on target and found themselves a goal down at the break. Brentford’s finishing in the first period was poor, with shots either blasted over the bar or scuffed wide of the goal. Toney might have been on a hot streak since returning from his ban, but neither he or his side could produce the necessary goods. The hosts eventually scored, but by then it was too little too late.
Nunez’s hot streak continues
Darwin Nunez is by far one of the most exciting, yet confusing players in the whole of the Premier League. You have no idea which player is going to turn up for Liverpool, but the Uruguayan certainly puts on a show for his fans. A constant nuisance to the Brentford backline, Nunez was constantly stretching the home defence with his lung busting runs. His reward for his effort came in the 35th minute when he was sent through on goal and instead of passing it under Brentford keeper Mark Flekken, Nunez produced an impudent chip to give the visitors the lead.
Injuries plague Liverpool yet again
With Allison, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai already out injured for Liverpool, the last thing Jurgen Klopp needed or wanted was his side to pick up even more injuries. Sadly for the Reds’ boss, his team would not be so fortunate, with Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota both coming off in the first half. With Liverpool now experiencing their own injury ‘crisis’ and with the Carabao Cup final only a week away, Klopp will be sweating on the fitness of all of his players during these next eight days.
Mohamed Salah is back with a bang
Despite his absence from the side through international duty then injury, Mohamed Salah has not been as big a miss for Liverpool as many people thought he would be. The Egyptian saw his side score 23 goals and only lose one in the eight matches he missed, whilst watching Liverpool remain top of the Premier League. His return to the bench was a welcome sight for the travelling supporters, and after an early call-up to replace the injured Diogo Jota, he announced his return with a goal and an assist. Huge for Liverpool in their quest for silverware.
