Liverpool left it late to secure a dramatic win over Brentford as substitute Darwin Nunez delivered a game-changing brace in stoppage time, extending their lead atop the Premier League table to seven points.
With Liverpool seemingly headed for a third consecutive league game without a win, Nunez rescued his side with a poacher’s finish in the 91st minute. Meeting a sharp low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Uruguayan slotted home from close range to break the deadlock.
Just two minutes later, Nunez doubled the lead, showcasing composure amid a crowded defense to complete a swift counterattack, punishing Brentford’s crumbling backline.
Despite the late goals, Liverpool’s dominance was apparent throughout the match. They controlled possession, pressed relentlessly, and fired a staggering 37 shots. However, their finishing touch eluded them until Nunez’s timely intervention.
Dominik Szoboszlai rattled the crossbar with a ferocious strike in the first half, and Luis Diaz squandered a clear header after ghosting into space at the far post. Meanwhile, Brentford’s passive approach saw them drop deep and offer minimal offensive threat, leaving Bryan Mbeumo isolated and ineffective.
Victory cushions Liverpool’s top spot ahead of Arsenal, who face Aston Villa later in the day, while Brentford remains 11th in the table.
Brentford’s Fortress Falls
The Gtech Community Stadium had been a goal fest this season, with a combined 52 goals scored in just 12 games. But on this occasion, Brentford never appeared likely to add to their tally. From the outset, they invited relentless Liverpool pressure, a strategy that proved unsustainable.
Brentford’s failure to secure a single Premier League clean sheet this season continued as Liverpool finally capitalized on their defensive frailties. Thomas Frank’s team, who have claimed 23 of their 28 points at home, saw their stronghold breached in a sobering reality check.
Their recent form is cause for concern—just one win in their last seven league outings and only one victory in their last nine across all competitions. Mbeumo found himself isolated and easily subdued by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, while top scorer Yoane Wissa struggled to influence proceedings.
Although Liverpool is a formidable opponent, Brentford’s survival will hinge on beating lower-ranked teams. With five of their next fixtures against clubs beneath them, Frank will hope for a turnaround.
Nunez Proves His Value
Liverpool, once unstoppable this season, had shown signs of slowing. Stalemates against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, paired with a Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Tottenham, suggested vulnerability.
At Brentford, they dominated in spirit and effort but failed to translate their chances into goals until Nunez’s heroics. Liverpool’s 37 shots—only eight on target—highlighted their wastefulness. Even Mohamed Salah, typically reliable, had an off-day, testing the keeper just once. Szoboszlai and Diaz were more effective in driving forward until Nunez made his impact.
Nunez, with just two league goals before this match, delivered precisely what manager Arne Slot demanded—decisive late-game finishing. His first goal was instinctive, while his second demonstrated patience and precision under pressure.
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With Diogo Jota sidelined due to injury, Nunez’s resurgence could prove vital in Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware. If he maintains this form, the Reds may have found the clinical edge needed to close out the season triumphantly.