Brentford vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Darwin Nunez double snatches victory
Arne Slot’s side will be hoping to return to winning ways after a draw against Nottingham Forest
Darwin Nunez struck twice in stoppage time to save Liverpool from another Premier League slip up as a resolute Brentford were denied a point late on.
The hosts appeared set to force Arne Slot’s side to settle again for a draw as they held firm at the Gtech Community Stadium. But substitute Nunez had other ideas, scoring twice in the final minutes to leave the league leaders grateful again for the impact of their bench. Dominik Szoboszlai had earlier struck the bar amid a flurry of chances with Liverpool exceptionally wasteful.
But just as Diogo Jota, absent in London with an injury, had snatched a point against Nottingham Forest, Nunez proved his worth having been introduced by Slot. Speculation had mounted over the forward’s future this week with his manager admitting he had not got the best out of the Uruguayan - but this was a reminder of what he can do.
Re-live all of the action from the Gtech Community Stadium in our live blog below:
Van Dijk: "Every win is a big result"
In his interview, van Dijk says that every victory “is a big result, especially when the teams around us are very strong”.
“We have to stay consistent, win games and perform well."
On Darwin Nunez's brace, he adds: "You have to earn these things. As a striker you get judged on goals especially at a club like Liverpool. Today he put his mark on the game. Very important. We need everyone at their best. Today was his day."
“Were they at their best? "I think so, yeah. Don't you think so?"
"They have a very clear structure. You try to break a low block down and if you lose the ball sometimes you can get a counter-attack on you. They create some danger moments. They create them against any team in the league. We handled it well and could have scored more.
"There is no walk in the park. Every game, teams are very good. They want to play their best game against us like we want to play our best game against them.
"If nobody is ready for a bumpy ride then this season will definitely be one."
Slot: "We were close to not getting what we deserved"
In his own post-match interview Arne Slot says that his side almost came away with the draw.
"During the season you're hoping for these moments. Many 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 on Tuesday against Forest - a lot. We were close to going off without a win. That combined with a late winner is what we were most happy about. And it was a significant game."
"I don't only look at 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 pleased with our performance. Brentford made it a fight. They have good players and a good game plan. It was a nice game to watch like every time Liverpool are on the pitch."
Frank: "I thought we played a really good game"
Speaking after the match, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said that his side played well “against the best team in the world right now”.
“We did a lot of things right. We defended very well. We gave the opportunities away but not too big.
"We probably lacked the final cutting edge. We had some good chances and opportunities that never became opportunities because of the last pass or touch. Their centre-backs were exceptionally good."
"We always try to win the game from minute one despite who's coming here. We knew they'd have the ball a bit more but we believed we could win the game.
"Yes. I think we just played City and Arsenal and now Liverpool, in a short amout of time. For me they're a level above the two teams. They're complete. Their work ethic, the way they track back, are good indicators. They're so good all over the pitch. Such a threat going forward. These are really, really good. It's the best team in the Premier League and the world. They're huge favourites to win it.”
Can Arsenal keep up their chase?
The action is underway at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal look to answer Liverpool’s win against Aston Villa - with William Saliba out, how will the hosts defence hold up? You can find out with our live blog here:
Arsenal host Aston Villa in the Premier League - follow live
Darwin Nunez double snatches victory for Liverpool
That’s just one win in six now for Brentford - though they do stay 11th pending Manchester United’s result against Brighton tomorrow. It always looked a tricky week with Manchester City and Liverpool back to back, but they couldn’t quite hold on for a second draw.
Liverpool snatch three points against Brentford
Here’s an illustration of just how wasteful Liverpool were this afternoon:
Darwin Nunez double snatches victory for Liverpool
These comments from Arne Slot yesterday about Darwin Nunez feel somewhat prescient in retrospect.
"It is not my perception that he is struggling with self confidence," said the Dutchman.
"For me it is the life of a striker: sometimes you score, sometimes you don't and he hasn't started every single game.
"Darwin will score his goals like he did for this club already. I don't see him struggling that much as the way you see it."
Liverpool snatch dramatic victory at Brentford
Liverpool extend their advantage to seven points at the top of the Premier League - but boy did they have to work for that! So many chances came and went, and few would have figured that it would be Darwin Nunez to eventually take one.
Arsenal, of course, are in action in a bit.
FULL-TIME! Brentford 0-2 Liverpool
FULL-TIME! Brentford 0-2 Liverpool
An entertaining match in the capital, and it ends with Liverpool taking home a deserved three points.
Brentford were great at times but just didn't have the quality to turn in their chances, while the visitors did in the end.
Liverpool’s continued pressure pays off.