Darwin Nunez was the hero for Liverpool, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford and take the Reds seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s wait for a league win in 2025 was set to continue as Arne Slott’s side wasted one chance after another – 35 to be exact.
With more points likely to drop, it appeared that Arsenal might have a chance to reduce the gap to two points with Brentford, who were minutes away from a point away, but substitute Núñez, who had not played in the last 11 months Only nine goals scored came in saves. , breaking the deadlock by scoring with his side’s 36th shot of the game, sparking wild celebrations in the audience.
The Uruguay international has often been criticized for his profligacy in front of goal, but he got his team out of trouble by adding a second just before the full-time whistle in what could have been a vital win in Liverpool’s bid to win the title .
Van Dijk on Nunez’s contribution: ‘We need everyone at their best’
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised Núñez’s contribution and called for his team to step up as they chase Premier League glory.
“Since the day Darwin arrived, he has brought a lot of energy,” Van Dijk said. “As a striker you are judged by your goals. Maybe it’s more difficult than ever. He is 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.”
On the title race, Van Dijk said: “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.
It was a crushing blow for Brentford, who had arguably the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Brian Mbuemo slid in Mads Roerslev on the overlap. The full back passed the ball across the six-yard box for Mikael Damsgaard, who could not find the finishing touch from close range.
The threat to Brentford continued from the in-form Mbeumo, who beat Kostas Tsimikas twice before firing straight at Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool’s dominance increased as the half progressed.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike hit the top of the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo could not beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken after a superb counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool took 19 shots without scoring in the first half and their dominance continued after the break.
Chances were coming at a rapid pace for Liverpool, who threw on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Núñez in their search for the breakthrough.
The visitors had only eight shots on target in the match as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Flekken. Nunez also spurned a big chance of his own and fired a free header wide of the target.
Brentford threatened themselves at the break as Mbumo and Yoane Wissa were denied by Alisson, but in the end, when it looked as if Arsenal might have a chance to reduce the gap to two points, it was Núñez who scored. The time was right to keep Liverpool’s title bid firmly on track.
Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring his own and Liverpool’s second goal
Slot: You look forward to these moments
liverpool boss Arne Slott It was a relief to grab a late winner at the GTech Community Stadium 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. “At many moments – we could have scored late winners against United, Forest, Fulham. Today it worked. We managed to score in the last few seconds.
“We were close to getting what we deserved. The number of chances we created against Forest on Tuesday – too many. We were close to going without a win. Combined with the late winner, we were the most in this Happy that it was an important game.
“I don’t just look at the results. We made a lot of things. But now it’s a win so I don’t have to say that, look at our performance. I’m very happy with our performance. Brentford made it a battle. They have good players and a good game plan, it was a good game to watch, like every time Liverpool were on the field.”
Frank: Liverpool are a level above Arsenal and Man City
brentford boss thomas frank “Absolutely” described Liverpool as the best team in the world and favorites to win the Premier League.
“I thought we just played a really good game against the best team in the world,” Frank said. “We did a lot of things right. We defended very well. We missed chances but not too big ones.”
“Maybe we lacked the final cutting edge. We had some good chances and chances that never turned into opportunities because of the last pass or touch. Their centre-backs were exceptionally good.
“No matter who is coming here, we always try to win the game from the first minute. We knew they would have the ball a little more but we were confident we could win the game.
“I think we’ve played City and Arsenal and now Liverpool in a short period of time. For me, [Liverpool] Both are one level above the other teams. they are perfect. His work ethic, the way he looks back, are good indicators.
“They are very good all over the pitch. There is such danger up front. They are really very good. This is the best team in the Premier League and the world. They are huge favorites to win it.” [the title],
Strength in depth is vital for Liverpool’s title challenge
Sky Sports’ Oliver Yu at the GTech Community Stadium:
For a long time it looked like it would not be Liverpool’s day.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold did not have their shooting boots on as the ball kept going off target.
Darwin Nunez – the hero of the moment for Liverpool – curled a free header from Andy Robertson’s cross before smashing a fierce effort over the crossbar from 30 yards as it looked as if the Reds were ushering in 2025 and beyond. were headed for their third consecutive league draw. Points dropped in the race for the Premier League title.
But Nunez and Liverpool ultimately performed well, and it is Arne Slot’s ability to empty Liverpool’s bench with new attacking options that could be crucial in their bid.
Liverpool, who were without the injured Diogo Jota, had an incredible 37 shots at Brentford – a record for an away team in the Premier League – but it was their ability to maintain that pressure with fresh legs that ultimately got them over the line. Brought it.
On this occasion Núñez came to the rescue but Harvey Elliott, who had not had as many minutes as he would have liked this season, also played a key role off the bench with an assist for the second.
If you can’t find Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, you can find Nunez, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott! And with other sides in the league struggling with injuries and weak squads, that depth could be a key factor in Liverpool’s bid to bring the title back to Anfield.
