Brentford v Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Jurgen Klopp’s men go five points clear
Brentford 1-4 Liverpool: Mo Salah returned with a goal and assist as Liverpool breezed past Brentford
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a clinical and professional display against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Jurgen Klopp’s men took advantage in the early stages, controlling possession and feeding passes into their in-form strikers Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. They found it difficult to break down the Bees’ solid defence though and needed a slick counter-attack to score the opening goal – Jota nodding the ball to Nunez who finished with a superb chip.
Jota then took a heavy tackle and needing to be subbed off, adding to Liverpool’s injury woes, but his replacement was Liverpool’s returning hero Mohamed Salah. He set up Alexis Mac Allister for the second goal before a strong solo effort earned him the third.
Ivan Toney scored a consolation, but Cody Gakpo secured the points with Liverpool’s fourth goal five minutes from time. With Arsenal and Manchester City still to play, Liverpool have set the benchmark for the weekend.
Relive the action with our live blog below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
49 mins: Luis Diaz escapes two challenges and shot from the edge of the box, but it’s well over.
No real chances so far in the second half.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
48 mins: Toney wins the ball back and Maupay does well to wriggle out of a couple of challenges. They try and counter down the wing, but a wasteful ball sums up much of the Bees’ recent play.
KICK-OFF! Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
Brentford get us underway in the second half.
Cody Gakpo comes on for Darwin Nunez. No news as to whether it’s tactical or due to an injury.
HALF-TIME! Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
As it stands, the Reds will open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. They’re doing what they need to do at the moment.
Manchester City play Chelsea later today, while Arsenal, who ran West Ham ragged last week, play Burnley away.
Despite positive results (as it stands) Klopp will be very worried about those injuries. Liverpool’s medical team confirmed the injury to Jota was related to his knee.
HALF-TIME! Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
Brentford won’t be too displeased with that half, though some naive defending saw Jota and Nunez through on a 2-v-1. Even still, Jota’s headed through-ball was very intelligent play.
The Bees have 45 minutes to get a result here, but don’t bet against Liverpool, even with injuries.
HALF-TIME! Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
HALF-TIME! Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
The whistle goes and the visitors go into the break one goal ahead.
Both teams played well in parts, with some good attacking play. Liverpool’s goal was a stylish counter, but the blow of losing both Jota and Jones to injury will have annoyed Klopp.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
51 mins: The half is petering out somewhat, with both teams seemingly waiting for half-time. Liverpool are controlling the game as we approach the break.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
49 mins: Reguilon sends a free-kick straight to Kelleher, but luckily for Brentford, Liverpool can’t counter effectively.
A minute later, Reguilon sends in another – slightly overhit – cross, and Toney almost does brilliantly to control but it runs out of play.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
46 mins: We’ll have eight minutes of added time in the first half.
A Brentford long throw is cleared to Luis Diaz, who has acres to run into. He bursts into the box, lures Flekken towards him and cuts it back to Mo Salah. It’s almost as if the Egyptian wasn’t expecting it, and it comes off his ankle and is cleared.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments