Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

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

Chris Wilson
Saturday 17 February 2024 10:31 EST
Comments
Super tricky to play Brentford - Klopp

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:

Brentford 0-1 Liverpool

44 mins: Reguilon is booked for a rash challenge. Klopp had his head in his hands briefly there, fearing another injury.

From the free-kick, a pass is played long to Salah, who controls well. He chips it over to Nunez, whose first-time ball is just too long, and Flekken collects.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 13:17

Brentford 0-1 Liverpool

42 mins: Jota was briefly back onto his feet, but has gone down again. Mo Salah is warming up on the sidelines.

A second replay shows that Reguilon fell directly on Jota’s knee, so that really could be serious. The Portuguese is stretchered off, and Mo Salah replaces him.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 13:14

Brentford 0-1 Liverpool

40 mins: Brentford will be disappointed to have conceded such a soft goal, as they were playing well and had created chances.

Diogo Jota is currently down after a clash, and is receiving treatment. It doesn’t look too serious on the replays – just a coming together.

Mike Jones17 February 2024 13:11

Brentford 0-1 Liverpool

37 mins: Liverpool haven’t lost a game this season in which they’ve scored first. They seem full of confidence now, and are knocking it around nicely.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 13:09

34 mins: GOAL! And Liverpool have the lead! A lightning-quick counter from a Brentford free-kick.

Van Dijk clears the ball long, and Jota manages to head the ball on to Nunez, who is clean through.

He has the option of squaring the ball but instead chips Flekken. A classy finish.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 13:06

Brentford 0-0 Liverpool

33 mins: Liverpool have the ball but are currently a man down, with Jones off the field. They still manage to create a half-chance, but Jota can’t reach Jota’s through-ball.

First substitution of the game as Ryan Gravenberch comes on for Curtis Jones.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 13:04

29 mins: Brentford win the ball in midfield. Maupay dribbled in from the wing and lays the ball off, with Norgaard hitting it from just outside the box. The shot rolls harmlessly wide.

Curtis Jones landed awkwardly in the build-up after being dispossessed, and he’s currently receiving treatment.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 13:02

Brentford 0-0 Liverpool

26 mins: Robertson’s clipped ball over the top releases Diaz, but the Colombian can’t control and it goes out for a goal kick.

Straight after, Jota makes a great run through the centre but is stopped just as he reaches the box, after a great tackle from Ben Mee.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:58

Brentford 0-0 Liverpool

24 mins: A Brentford free-kick is almost very well-worked, but Ben Mee just can’t reach the header near the back post.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:56

Brentford 0-0 Liverpool

22 mins: Liverpool are having chances now. Jota hits a looping half-volley but it is well saved by Flekken.

A Robertson corner is cleared, but a second results in a Brentford counter. Ajer brings the ball out, but Curtis Jones snuffs it out in the Liverpool box.

Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:54

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in