3 talking points from Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford
Liverpool continued their strong start to the Premier League season thanks to a 2-0 win over Brentford at Anfield on matchday two. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah were on target on either side of half-time to secure a comfortable win for the Reds in a game in which they dominated from start to finish.
Arne Slot’s men face Manchester United next at Old Trafford but before that, here is a look at the three talking points from their win over Thomas Frank’s visitors.
1. Diaz paved the way with a superb display
Luis Diaz was the difference maker in Liverpool’s maiden home win of the season, thanks to a goal and an assist. The Colombian international also completed 100% of his passes and created four chances over the 72 minutes he played (via FotMob). He even contributed defensively having made four recoveries and won 67% of his tackles.
His future has been a subject of speculation for much of the summer but a brilliant display in front of the home fans was an indicator of Diaz’s focus being on succeeding at Anfield. He will be keen on having a much better season than last time around to justify the investment Liverpool have made in him and the forward’s display at Brentford will set the tone for the rest of the year.
2. Liverpool flex their defensive muscle early in the season
Arne Slot has inherited a depleted defence at Liverpool, which is without the departed Joel Matip while Joe Gomez’s future also remains uncertain. Virgil van Dijk is his only senior option in the centre of the backline but the early signs are that the Reds’ new boss has found the formula to keep his slate clean as Ibrahima Konate was among those who impressed
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have done well defensively so far too and Alisson Becker’s qualities need no introduction. Two matches into the Premier League season, Liverpool are the only team besides Arsenal that are yet to concede a goal and as a matter of fact, even have the lowest xG conceded so far.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team was a flamboyant outfit but Slot’s seems like a more balanced team despite the lack of signings and if Liverpool can maintain consistency on both ends of the pitch, they may achieve big things at the end of the campaign.
3. Salah continues to be Liverpool’s talisman
Mohamed Salah was on target once more as he scored his second Premier League goal for Liverpool in as many games this season. Like several players, the Egyptian’s future at Anfield was also under the scanner while there were concerns relating to how he can contribute to the team given that he is on the wrong side of his 30s as well.
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Salah continues to be Liverpool’s most influential offensive player even under Arne Slot and after his strike versus Brentford, he has 128 goal contributions in 128 Premier League matches at Anfield. His impact has not diminished despite a change in systems and the 32-year-old will be pivotal in helping the team achieve its ambitions this season.
