Darwin Nunez was Liverpool’s hero, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford to send the Reds seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s wait for a league win in 2025 looked set to continue as Arne Slott’s side lost back-to-back – 35 to be exact.
With more dropped points looking likely, it looked like Arsenal might have the chance to close the gap to two points with Brentford just minutes away from a point, but with time running out, substitute Nunez came to the rescue, scoring with His team’s 36th. of play to break the deadlock and spark wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguayan has so often been criticized for his wastefulness in front of goal, but he saved his side from trouble in west London, adding a second just before the full-time whistle to secure what could have been a crucial victory in the bid to Liverpool for him. win the title.
It was a cruel blow for Brentford, who arguably had the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slid in Mads Roerslev in the overlap. The full-back slotted the ball across the six-yard box for Mikkel Damsgaard, who couldn’t find the ball from close range.
Brentford’s threat continued to come from the in-form Mbeumo, who twice beat Kostas Tsimikas before firing past Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool’s dominance increased as the half wore on.
Domink Szoboszlai’s shot clipped the top of the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo couldn’t beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken in goal after a stunning counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool had 19 clean sheets in the first half and their dominance continued after the break.
Chances continued to come thick and fast for Liverpool, who threw on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federicho Chiesa and Nunez as they looked for the breakthrough.
The visitors had just eight shots on target in the match as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Flekke. Nunez even spurned a great chance of his own, putting a free header wide of the goal.
Brentford threatened themselves on the break after Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were denied by Alisson, but in the end, as Arsenal could have had the chance to close the gap to two points, it was Nunez who was in the right place on the right. it’s time to keep Liverpool’s title bid on track.
More to follow.
Darwin Nunez celebrates his second and Liverpool goal
