Darwin Nunez scored twice in the final minutes to help Liverpool return to the Premier League title with a dramatic 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday.
Arne Slaughter’s side are in danger of a third successive league draw after wasting a number of chances at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Of all the candidates to end Liverpool’s shaky run, Uruguayan striker Nunez ranks low on the list given his struggles over the past two seasons.
But his brace in stoppage time came to Liverpool’s rescue, putting the Reds seven points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
The Gunners can reduce the gap to four points when they face Aston Villa later on Saturday.
But thanks to the much-maligned Nunez, Liverpool will have a game in hand against Arsenal and the fate of the title remains firmly in their hands.
Earlier this week, Slott admitted he was unable to find a way to get the best out of the former Benfica star.
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The 25-year-old scored just four goals in 26 games before scoring a surprise brace in west London.
Slott will be grateful for Nunez’s contribution as Liverpool’s first win in three league games puts them on track for a first title since 2020.
Liverpool have won just one of four games in all competitions since the start of the year, beating lowly Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round.
After drawing with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in the previous two league games, and losing 0-1 to Tottenham in the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals, this victory is crucial to stabilize the mood.
Brentford started the campaign with the joint-best home record in the Premier League, an impressive stat underlined by scoring twice in the closing stages to draw 2-2 with Manchester City on Tuesday.
Arne Slott will be grateful for Nunez’s contribution as Liverpool’s first win in three league games puts them on track for a first title since 2020. Image source: Reuters
Arne Slott will be grateful for Nunez’s contribution as Liverpool’s first win in three league games puts them on track for a first title since 2020. Image source: Reuters
– Late Night with Nunez –
Thomas Frank’s side should have put Liverpool in trouble when Mikkel Damsgaard failed to put Max Roerslev’s ball across the six-yard box.
Brentford threatened again, with Bryan Mbeumo forcing Alisson Becker into action with a shot from the edge of the area.
Luis Diaz glanced in from Ibrahima Konate’s pass before Ryan Gravenberch’s long-range shot was deflected in by Mark Fry Mark Flekken blocked.
Konate’s shot went wastefully wide, but Brentford captain Christian Norgaard headed it over as opportunities continued to flow at both ends.
Liverpool were denied three points at Forest with a superb save from Mats Sayles, while another in-form goalkeeper thwarted Liverpool’s attack as Flecken converted from Dominic Szoboszlai’s low Great save on goal.
Szoboszlai was inches away from breaking the deadlock, with the Liverpool midfielder’s 25-yard shot hitting the crossbar.
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Cody Gakpo should have done better than Salah’s pass just wide after Liverpool opened up the Brentford defence.
Early in the second half, Salah’s shot deflected off Kean Lewis-Potter’s shot and headed towards goal until Nathan Collins made a last-ditch clearance just off the line.
Slott sent on Andrew Robertson and Nunez, who immediately headed wide after receiving a cross from the Scot, much to the visibly frustrated head coach.
Alisson saved two consecutive Mbemo free kicks and the Brentford striker’s follow-up shot.
Liverpool had taken 34 shots without scoring. Mbeumo’s header was saved by Alisson and Liverpool were almost punished for their profligate behavior.
Liverpool grew more desperate as time wore on and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 30-yard rocket did little to ease their anxiety as it simply fizzed.
But the pressure paid off in stoppage time when Alexander-Arnold’s cross picked out Nunez, who calmly fired home from close range.
Slott danced a joyous jig on the touchline and moments later Harvey Elliott’s pass found Nunez in the box and the Dutchman celebrated again, firing a brilliant shot past Fry. Ken.
