Liverpool defeated Brentford quite easily 4-1 and strengthened their lead in the table. What lessons have we learned from this clash?
Darwin Nunez is in great shape
The Uruguayan was dubbed the King of Chaos some time ago, but so far we have often had the impression that he himself was unable to fully control what he was doing on the pitch. For some time now, however, it seems that the sniper is able to direct the chaos he generates to the benefit of the entire team. The only “but” about his performances was the issue of sometimes questionable finishing. However, he is working hard to get rid of this badge and in the match against Brentford he undoubtedly took another step in this direction. The highlight of the match was the 24-year-old’s 1-0 score for the Reds, where he perfectly lobbed Mark Flekken after Diogo Jota knocked the ball down at his feet. Nunez has been in great form lately. In the last six league games he started from the first minutes, he managed to score five goals and make two assists. In total, this season, in twenty-three matches he started from the first minutes in all competitions, the Uruguayan scored twenty-four hits and last passes. Without a shadow of a doubt – he has arrived!
Liverpool find a way to win despite the plague of injuries
This is probably one of the most impressive features of Jurgen Klopp’s team. Liverpool were missing several key players in the squad against Brentford. Among those who missed the fight at GTech were: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Allison, Szoboszlai. Not to mention valuable pieces of Klopp’s puzzle such as Thiago and Matip when they are healthy. During the match, the following players were injured: Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota. The Portuguese’s injury in particular looked serious. Still, the Premier League leader found a way not only to take three points, but also to score four goals for the Bees. Despite their poor recent form, it is no secret that Frank’s team is a tough nut to crack at home for many Premier League powerhouses. This undoubtedly deserves appreciation and praise – the Reds, with their coach at the helm, are able to adapt to the situation. And this, in turn, is a common feature of great teams.
Salah came back as if he had never left
For the first time since the New Year’s clash with Newcastle United, Mohamed Salah appeared in the Liverpool squad. The Egyptian went to the African Cup of Nations, but he also suffered an injury, which is why he has been sidelined to this day. He sat on the bench against Brentford, but appeared on the pitch just before the break. The reason was Diogo Jota’s injury, which forced a change. Since appearing on the pitch, the Egyptian has shown us the full range of what Liverpool loses without him in the squad. To begin with, he overshot the one-on-one situation with Mark Flekken in a rather strange way. But then he made an incisive pass to Alexis Mac Allister for the Reds’ second goal. Then he served us his classic again. He showed his speed by running to the ball knocked down by Gakpo, played with Collins and confidently beat the Brentford goalkeeper. He came back, and we get the impression that he never went anywhere.