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:
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
The teams are coming out of the tunnel now, with ‘Hey Jude’ ringing round the ground and the home fans in good voice.
Virgil van Dijk is reportedly making his 250th appearance for Liverpool today since signing for the Reds in January 2018.
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Now Jurgen Klopp is speaking to the media. He explains that Szoboszlai and Alisson are injured, the latter after an incident in yesterday’s training session.
He adds that Liverpool will “try to figure it out”, and will “have to be the worst opponent for Brentford”.
“We don’t chase the title every day and at this moment we are top of the table.
“The boys don’t feel the pressure, but playing in a team and contributing to a team with the quality we have is special.
“We have to make sure we are ready today.”
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
It’s Thomas Frank’s turn to speak to TNT Sports, just a few minutes before kick-off in what is his 100th Premier League game.
He calls it “another day at the office, but on the flipside it is important and a big privilege to be here.
“The foundation needs to be there and then we can add a bit. We know we are dangerous going forward,” he adds.
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Speaking to TNT Sports, Andy Robertson says that Liverpool know that Brentford is a difficult place to come to.
“We need to be ready and fight for every ball and if we do that hopefully we will get the three points,” he adds.
“The title race, we have had the experience of that but there is not many of us players left.
“The young lads do not have any fear, we are excited and we are still included in four trophies and hopefully we are there at the end of the season.”
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Liverpool are unbeaten in all four Premier League games with a 12:30 kick-off time this season (three wins, one draw), having been winless in all six of their lunchtime matches last season (three draws, three losses).
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Liverpool’s tally of 54 points after 24 matches is 15 more than they had at this stage of last season. Jurgen Klopp’s side have earned 19 points from losing positions in this season’s Premier League, more than any other club.
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Brentford have suffered back-to-back Premier League home defeats despite scoring the first goal. The Bees have also dropped a league-high 26 points from winning positions this season.
Brentford vs Liverpool - LIVE
Liverpool have won five of their last six Premier League games. Their two league defeats this season have both come against London clubs: Tottenham and Arsenal.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments