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Match report: Nunez wins Liverpool crucial three points against Brentford
Liverpool beat Brentford 0-2 in the away Premier League game with Darwin Nunez bagging two late goals for the Reds. The Uruguayan silenced his naysayers by demonstrating impeccable composure in front of the goal during the high-pressure moment.
The Reds are now six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand after their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Liverpool needed this positive and confidence-boosting result after two draws against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United in the Premier League.
Furthermore, the loyal Reds fanbase wanted their number-nine to regain his goalscoring form which he did at a crucial point. The 25-year-old Uruguayan has faced a lot of criticism for his finishing there’s nothing better than scoring late important winners.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended Nunez in a pre-match interview, citing his goal drought as part and parcel of football. The 25-year-old lived up to the faith displayed by his head coach by securing three crucial points for the Reds.
First-half
Liverpool started the Premier League game strongly against Brentford while playing Luis Diaz as the false nine alongside Cody Gakpo and legendary Mohamed Salah. Slot deployed Dominik Szoboszlai as the number 10 ahead of his trusted double-pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch
Kostas Tsimikas played ahead of Andy Robertson in the left-back spot while Trent Alexander-Arnold Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk maintained their starting role alongside goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The Reds dominated 59% of the possession with five out of 19 shots on target in a dominant first-half performance.
Liverpool faced two out of five shots on target against the Bees who boast a strong attacking threat. Liverpool hit the woodwork once in the first half from a 35th-minute effort by Szoboszlai that hit the crossbar.
Brentford restricted the visitors to a 0-0 scoreline during halftime as the pressure continued to mount on Liverpool. The first half ended with Liverpool failing to make the most of their 1.61 expected goals (xG).
Second-half
Liverpool smothered Brentford further with possessional dominance as the hosts resorted to counter-attack in the second half, using their pacy attack. The Reds dominated 63% of the possession with three out of 18 shots on target.
Brentford managed four out of six shots on target but failed to capitalize on their counter-attacking by making clear-cut chances. Liverpool brought Andy Robertson and Nunez for Tsimikas and Diaz in a straight tactical swap from Slot.
However, substitute 80th minute Harvey Elliott and later Federico Chiesa in the 87th minute delivered a real boost to Liverpool. Liverpool pushed Brentford further during the end stages of the game, continuously asking questions of the hosts’ defence.
Alexander-Arnold’s darting run inside the box combined with his ability to provide a clinical cross allowed Nunez to score in the 91st minute. The 25-year-old added his second goal in the 93rd minute through a fantastic team’s counter-attack. Elliott and Chiesa played a pivotal role for the Reds during their second goal, pleasing the fanbase further.
Positives from the result
Liverpool have now registered their second win of 2025 with this highly-impressive result which removed a lot of pressure. The Reds have now drawn twice and lost one along with two victories since the year 2025 started.
Liverpool will face LOSC Lille in the Champions League bout during the next midweek, potentially allowing them to rest players. Nevertheless, the Reds need to build upon their victory and develop a winning consistency as the margin for error remains low in all competitions.
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With a six-point gap and a game in hand, the pressure returns to Arsenal with Liverpool players having clarity about their objectives.
