Liverpool vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Mohamed Salah strikes to seal victory
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford: Goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah secured victory in Arne Slot’s first game at Anfield
Liverpool made it two Premier League wins from two as Arne Slot enjoyed an excellent 2-0 win in his Anfield housewarming.
A fine counter-attacking goal from Luis Diaz and typically cool finish from Mohamed Salah sunk Brentford as Slot’s side again produced a composed performance to build on last week’s success against Ipswich. The Dutch manager had stuck largely with a settled side and there were signs again of a team beginning to find their groove, the hosts building into the game and producing a string of second-half chances that, on another day, might have led to more goals.
The visitors’ hunt for a goal at Anfield continues despite plenty of bright periods in the encounter. But with Ivan Toney again left out as the striker negotiates a move to Saudi Arabia, Brentford lacked the cut and thrust required to regularly test Alisson. It left Slot able to soak up the atmosphere as the Kop serenaded the new Liverpool boss, content with another three points to keep pace with Brighton, Arsenal and Manchester City after the opening two weekends of the season.
Re-live all of the action from the Premier League clash below:
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 87 minutes
Mikkel Damsgaard looks to spring Bryan Mbeumo with a floated pass, but the spin on the ball forces Mbeumo to check, and Ibrahim Konate is back alongside him by the time the Brentford forward has fully brought it under his spell. The visitors’ hunt for a first goal at Anfield looks likely to continue.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 84 minutes
And Slot is content enough with how the land lies to give Mohamed Salah ten minutes or so of rest. Harvey Elliott takes his place.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 83 minutes
The Kop serenade their manager for the first time, taking the tune from Jurgen Klopp’s end of season welcome as they chant Arne Slot’s name. The crowd coordination needs a bit of work, but the Dutchman looks to be off to a good start at Anfield.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 81 minutes
Off the woodwork! It might have been four or five if not for Nathan Collins in this second half, the centre-back getting his head to a dipping Cody Gakpo strike and sending it on to the top of the crossbar with Mark Flekken well beaten.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 79 minutes
Arne Slot has a quick catch-up with Trent Alexander-Arnold, sat looking (for reasons that aren’t totally clear) absolutely furious on the back row of seating on the bench. Perhaps the right-back wanted to stay out there, enjoying the freedom that Brentford had afforded him? Conor Bradley is now roaming up and down the right.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 76 minutes
Mohamed Salah stands up a cross seemingly for Cody Gakpo, though a soaring Darwin Nunez steals in before his teammate can launch into his leap. Perhaps he should have left it - it’s too tall even for the springy South American, whose header loops into the lap of Mark Flekken.
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 73 minutes
Movement on both benches in the wake of the goal. Brentford throw on Kevin Schade and Frank Onyeka; Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley are Arne Slot’s first alterations.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 Brentford (Mohamed Salah, 71 minutes)
Liverpool have their second!
It’s tight on offside, but Mohamed Salah has stayed in line and the goal will count. It’s a goal of Brentford’s making, Christian Norgaard playing a nothing pass to no-one in particular and allowing those in red to swarm.
Salah is slotted in and beats an advancing Mark Flekken in the poised manner you would expect.
Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 68 minutes
Bryan Mbeumo goes down after a bump in the back from Andy Robertson, the forward found deftly by Mikkel Damsgaard’s reverse ball. Robertson might have been in bother if not for the raising of the offiside flag, Mbeumo half-a-yard off at the time the pass was played.
Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 66 minutes
That double switch may give Brentford extra potency but might it leave them exposed a touch on the flanks? Nathan Collins is once more forced to go into hero mode, donning his cape and bounding between Diogo Jota and the goal to block a shot surely bound for the bottom corner.
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