Anfield Index
·18 gennaio 2025
Anfield Index
·18 gennaio 2025
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points with a dramatic late victory over Brentford, courtesy of Darwin Nunez’s stoppage-time heroics. The Uruguayan striker delivered two decisive goals to ensure the Reds’ first league win of 2025, ending a brief winless streak and reaffirming their title ambitions.
For much of the match, it appeared Liverpool’s frustrations in front of goal would persist. Brentford, resolute and compact, managed to hold off wave after wave of Liverpool attacks. However, Darwin Nunez, in the 91st minute, converted a precise low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, breaking the deadlock and giving Liverpool the advantage.
Two minutes later, Nunez struck again. As Brentford pushed for an equaliser, Liverpool capitalised on a counter-attack. Nunez showcased his composure in a congested penalty area to double the visitors’ lead, sealing a hard-earned victory.
Despite the late goals, Liverpool’s dominance was evident throughout the contest. Dominik Szoboszlai rattled the crossbar in the first half, while Luis Diaz squandered a clear opportunity with a misjudged header at the far post. Yet, the Reds struggled to translate their territorial control and 37 attempts into goals until Nunez’s late intervention.
Brentford, meanwhile, sat deep and relied on their defensive structure, limiting Liverpool’s clear-cut chances. On the rare occasions they ventured forward, Bryan Mbeumo found himself isolated, while Yoane Wissa struggled to make an impact against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Premier League Brentford v Liverpool Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool and Keane Lewis-Potter of Brentford battle for the ball during the Premier League match Brentford vs Liverpool at The Gtech Community Stadium, London, United Kingdom, 18th January 2025 Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images London The Gtech Community Stadium Greater London United Kingdom Copyright: xAlfiexCosgrove/NewsxImagesx
The Gtech Community Stadium has been a fortress for Brentford this season, hosting high-scoring thrillers with 52 goals in 12 fixtures. However, Thomas Frank’s side could not find the attacking edge to trouble Liverpool.
This result extends Brentford’s poor run, with just one win in their last seven Premier League outings. The Bees remain 11th in the table, but Frank will be concerned about their inability to keep a clean sheet—a record that continues to elude them this campaign.
Although matches against title-chasing sides like Liverpool are not season-defining, Brentford’s upcoming fixtures offer a chance for redemption. Their next five games are against teams currently below them, providing an opportunity to regain momentum and solidify their mid-table position.
Liverpool’s victory not only extends their lead over second-placed Arsenal but also reinforces their standing as title favourites. With Nunez rediscovering his scoring touch and the defence maintaining control, Jürgen Klopp’s side look primed to sustain their dominance in the second half of the season.