Darwin Nunez was the hero for Liverpool, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford to send the Reds seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s wait to win the league in 2025 looked set to continue as Arne Slott’s side wasted chance after chance – the 35th to be exact.
With more points likely to be dropped, it looked like Arsenal might have a chance to cut the deficit to two points with Brentford just minutes away from a point, but substitute Nunez, who has scored just nine goals in the last 11 months , came to the rescue , scoring his team’s 36th shot of the game to break the deadlock and spark wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguay international has often been criticized for being wasteful in front of goal, but he got his side out of trouble, adding a second just before the final whistle to secure what could be a crucial win in Liverpool’s title bid.
Van Dijk on Nunez’s contribution: ‘We need everyone at their best’
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was full of praise for Nunez’s contribution and urged his side to push on as they chase Premier League glory.
“Darwin has been bringing a lot of energy since the day he arrived,” Van Dijk said. “As a striker you are judged by goals. Maybe it is more difficult than ever. He works hard and studies.
“You have to earn these things. He has put his stamp on the game. We need everyone at their best. Today was his day.
On the title race, Van Dijk added: “Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to continue.”
It was a cruel blow for Brentford, who arguably had the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slid into Mads Roerslev on a cross. The full back put the ball across the penalty area for Mikkel Damsgaard, who couldn’t find the finishing touch from close range.
Brentford’s threat continued to come from the in-form Mbeum, who beat Kostas Tsimikas twice before firing straight at Reds keeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool’s dominance grew as the half wore on.
Dominko Szoboszlai’s shot hit the top of the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo couldn’t beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken when he was on target following a stunning counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool scored 19 shots without a goal in the first half, and continued their dominance after the break.
Chances continued to come thick and fast for Liverpool, who threw on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Nunez as they looked for a turnaround.
The visitors had just eight shots on goal in the game as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Flekken. Nunez even spurned a huge chance of his own, with a free header wide of the goal.
Brentford threatened on the break themselves as Alisson was denied by Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, but in the end, with Arsenal looking like they might have a chance to cut the deficit to two points, it was Nunez who was in the right spot on the right. . it’s time to keep Liverpool’s title bid firmly on track.
Slot: You hope to have these moments
Liverpool boss Arne Slott relieved 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 hope for moments like this,” he said. “A lot of moments – we could have scored a late winner against United, Forest, Fulham. Today it worked. We managed to score in the last few seconds.
“We were close to not getting what we deserved. The amount of chances we created was like Tuesday against Forest – a lot. We were close to going without a win. That, combined with the late winner, is what we were the biggest happy about.
“I don’t just look at the results. We created a lot. But now it’s a win, so I don’t have to say look at our performance. I was very happy with our performance. Brentford put up a fight. They have good players and a good game plan. It was a nice game to watch, just like every time Liverpool are on the field.”
Frank: Liverpool level above Arsenal and Man City
Brentford boss Thomas Frank he described a “complete” Liverpool as the best team in the world and heavy favorites to win the Premier League.
“I thought we played a really good game against the best team in the world right now,” Frank said. “We did a lot of things right. We defended very well. We gave chances, but not too many.
“We probably lacked the final edge. We had a few good chances and chances that never became chances because of the last pass or touch. Their centre-backs were extremely good.
“We always try to win the game from the first minute regardless of who comes here. We knew they would have the ball a bit more, but we believed we could win the game.
“I think we’ve just played against City and Arsenal and now Liverpool in a short period of time. For me, [Liverpool] are a level above these two teams. They are complete. Their work ethic, the way they follow through, are good indicators.
“They are so good all over the pitch. Such a threat going forward. They are really, really good. They are the best team in the Premier League and in the world. They are big favorites to win. [the title].”
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