These are the kind of victories that count in a title race. Liverpool sought a valuable success this Saturday on the Brentford pitch (0-2), and the least we can say is that this result took time to emerge.
After the two draws conceded against Manchester United (1-1) and Nottingham Forest (1-1), the Reds seemed set for a third match without a victory. And yet it was not for lack of domination. At the start of added time, Arne Slot's men had 35 shots and 15 corners on their clock. But it was the finishing that was lacking: of the 35 shots, only 6 were on target, for 15 shots blocked and 14 attempts outside the target.
A providential double for Nunez
Liverpool ended up finding the loophole thanks to their joker, Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan plays less this season, and he is sometimes announced as a starter, but his double is providential. The former Benfica player first opened the scoring on a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had escaped after a one-two with Harvey Elliott (0-1, 90th+1). And it was on a counter initiated by two other entrants, Federico Chiesa (whose second appearance in the Premier League this season) and Elliott as Nunez (0-2, 90th + 3).
In the standings, while waiting for the Arsenal-Aston Villa this Saturday, Liverpool are seven points ahead of the Gunners, and the leader restarts the machine. A good omen before welcoming into the Champions League this Lille team which has not been able to lose since September.
