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 vs Brentford
Brentford are in their rather funky change strup today, a soft pink with purple accenting. Arne Slot follows the last of the visiting substitutes out, welcomed by an ovation and a few customised banners. He shares a chuckle with one set of fans just behind the dugout as he spies his face emblazoned on a flag of some kind.
Liverpool vs Brentford
Right, it’s time for action at Anfield. A pleasant housewarming for Arne Slot, or will Brentford be able to poop the party?
Liverpool vs Brentford
Thomas Frank plays coy over Brentford’s system when asked by Sky Sports ahead of kick off, though a wry smile at the question would suggest that Keane Lewis-Potter may well be at wing-back.
Of his absent striker Ivan Toney, Frank says: “The status is the same as last week. Things are going on with Ivan and transfer negotiations, so the decision is the same as last week. To be honest, I’d rather focus on the game and the players playing.”
How a data ‘nerd’ helped Liverpool win the Premier League
So a first home game in charge for Arne Slot today, but how did Jurgen Klopp transform the club into Premier League winners? Liverpool’s former head of data, Ian Graham, has written a book about his time at Anfield, with plenty of fascinating titbits:
How a data ‘nerd’ helped Liverpool win the Premier League
Liverpool’s former head of data, Ian Graham, has written a book about his time at the club – and how the Reds sliced through Man City’s dominance to claim domestic glory
Liverpool vs Brentford
Brentford having scored at Anfield on their last five visits to Merseyside. You do think there may be opportunities to get at this Liverpool side today, though, with the hosts very much still adjusting to life under Arne Slot. Ipswich had a handful of early chances last week and both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa looked buzzy and bright against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool vs Brentford
We’ll see exactly how Brentford line up at kick off, but Thomas Frank used a five-at-the-back formation at Anfield last November, and has the versatility within his side today to shift into that shape if required. That might mean Keane Lewis-Potter at wing-back rather than up in the front three.
Liverpool vs Brentford
Curtis Jones might hope to contend for a pace in that Liverpool midfield at some point this season, but is absent today with what the club describe as a “minor issue”.
Liverpool vs Brentford
An unchanged Liverpool midfield should see Ryan Gravenberch once more operate from slightly deeper. The Dutchman showed encouraging signs in that position a week ago and could be a key figure to Liverpool’s evolution, as Karl Matchett explained:
Unexpected reinvention puts Ryan Gravenberch at the centre of Liverpool’s evolution
The Dutch midfielder was deployed in a deeper role by Slot as the new Liverpool manager got up and running with a win over Ipswich
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