Liverpool 1-0 Brentford: Liverpool Player performace Ratings

Liverpool had to settle for a 1-0 victory in their second game in a row in an understandably tired but largely impressive performance at Anfield.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

Alisson – 7 (out of 10)

Alisson was furious over Bryan Mbeumo’s disallowed goal – despite being ruled offside – as it would have denied him his first consecutive goals conceded since early March.

The Brazilian was comfortable between the sticks, shaking off a nasty punch after colliding with Ivan Toney.

Booked to waste time…or so Anthony Taylor said.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8 (Man of the Match)

It’s as if Jurgen Klopp told him: “Get out, do what you want and we’ll make it work.” Alexander-Arnold hovers over the field, not only following the ball, but demanding it at every opportunity, always looking for the next pass and even putting the goalkeeper to the test.

There was a wonderful ball left for Darwin Nunez wasting striker, and although he was also guilty of adultery to give Brentford a chance, the number 66 played a vital role in tackling second balls from set pieces.

Ibrahim Konaat – 7

Brilliant and physical, Konate put up with his compatriot Mbeumo well, making up for Alexander-Arnold’s forays into midfield at both centre-back and right-back.

His collaboration with Virgil van Dijk seems to be blossoming again, even if there have been a handful of skimpy clears and shaky moments.

Virgil van Dyke – 7

Van Dijk enjoyed battling against a Brentford attack, even if he’s not yet omnipotent himself. Despite this, the Dutchman dominated defensively in the air – made more clearances (nine) than any other player – and netted Mohamed Salah’s goal.

He’s getting there slowly. Our number 4 could still be on top next season.

Andy Robertson-7

The Scot seems more comfortable in his simplified role and offers less forward movement, curbing his attacking tendencies as a third centre-back when needed.

However, there were still a number of good deliveries from the left and he linked up brilliantly with Diogo Jota when possible.

Fabinho-7

Caught up in this new 3-4-3 system, Fabinho has looked closer to his best in recent weeks, and this has continued with a largely comfortable performance at the base of midfield.

He was booked in advance but coped well with the added risk. Sharp in challenge and now much sharper on the ball.

Cody Gakpo-7

Gakpo was given an unnatural role in midfield, which showed how much confidence Klopp had in him just months after joining.

He appeared to be enjoying himself too, with the Dutchman heavily involved both on and off the ball, given space to take possession, resist pressure, turn around and kick attacks. Came forward midway through the second half. A workhorse that will be treasured for years to come.

Curtis Jones – 7

Eight consecutive starts is the longest run Jones has ever enjoyed in the Liverpool squad, and the number 17 has deservedly kept his place.

Confidence is clearly flowing, allowing him to have his say on the ball and urging him to win it back when it’s lost.

Mohamed Salah – 7

Goals in nine consecutive Anfield games, the first in Liverpool’s legendary history. A personal milestone of 100 goals at Anfield.

And of course, now tied with Steven Gerrard as the club’s fifth all-time leading goalscorer.

Busy, dangerous, and clinical when the opportunity arose. Sometimes still on the edge, but he makes his presence felt even off the ball.

Diogo Iota – 7

Split tasks with Nunez as left winger and centre-forward, as an effervescent and unnerving presence to complement the Uruguayan’s direct and intoxicating approach. His persistence has created some openings, while he has played an important role in counter-pressure. With 17 minutes to go, Liverpool went off having had his rib injury sorted out.

Darwin Nunez–6

In the absence of Roberto Firmino and with Luis Diaz starting back to back after a lengthy injury, Nunez had another chance to impress at Anfield.

He missed a huge 2-0 chance and didn’t seem to have the confidence he started the season with, but the No. 27 ran fast, chasing down lost business and connecting well.

Substitutes

Luis Diaz (on for Nunez, 65′) – 6 – There are about 25 minutes left to build long-term fitness. Jordan Henderson (replaces Jota, 73′) – 6 – He was a fitness skeptic at the start of the match and he certainly played that way.

James Milner (in place of Jones, 81′) – 5 – He suffers his usual foul.

Kostas Tsimikas (in place of Robertson, 81 ′)-6-he He has settled well in the role of left fullback.

Unused: Kelleher, Matip, Gomez, Elliott, Carvalho

Jurgen Klopp – 8

Remember when there were doubts about the manager’s future?

They are now six game hitting and eight undefeated. Klopp has his smile back and the team is thriving with his new look.

Liverpool have had to win badly in their last few games, but that’s with a ridiculously busy schedule ahead – few will complain.

Klopp has again led his team well, taking into account the fitness of Jota, Diaz and Jones, and now has an eight-day break between matches to recover and plan for the final attack.

Player Rating Definitions: 10 = Flawless | 9 = Excellent | 8 = Very good | 7 = Good | 6 = Average | 5 = Below Par | 4 = Bad | 3 = Very bad | 2 Terrible | 1 = Absolutely not

Also.. 

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford: The Egyptian King equals Steven Gerrard in 6th win in row

Mo Salah again scored the game’s only goal as he leveled Steven Gerrard in Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring chart.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

Goals

Salah 13′ (Assist: Van Dijk)

Prior to the match, at the request of the Premier League, there was much debate over the playing of the national anthem, which was completely drowned out by chants of “Liverpool”.

When the action started, it was Liverpool who made the first round.

The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Van Dijk headed a Fabinho cross into the goal for Salah to score from close range – equaling Steven Gerrard’s goal tally for the club, fifth on the all-time list of Reds.

It also meant Salah became the first Liverpool player in history to score in nine consecutive games at Anfield while reaching the 30-goal mark for a third consecutive season. It should have been 2-0 in the half hour, when a beautiful ball shot over Alexander-Arnold in Nunez, but the Uruguayan broke free and went over the crossbar.

There was little flow in the game, thanks in part to Brentford players going down easily with injuries, and secondly because referee Anthony Taylor admired it all.

Ivan Toney had the ball in the net but was offside, although a lengthy VAR check was needed for some reason.

However, it was a warning to Liverpool, who didn’t create too much.

First Half: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

It really should have been 2-0 at the start of the second half when Jota fired a shot over the goal and hit Gakpo from two meters outside but somehow bounced off the mark. Alexander-Arnold grew in influence as the game progressed and hit a shot from the edge of the box that was intended for the top corner but it was saved by Raya.

Brentford pressed for an equaliser, had numerous chances from set pieces thanks to the referee, but Liverpool held on to win.

Like Fulham this week, it was anything but vintage or particularly enjoyable, but a win is a win.

And the victory puts the Reds within a point of fourth-placed Man United, even though they have played two games more than their rivals.

Now there are nine days left until the next match, away against relegation-threatened Leicester. TIA man of the match: Alexander-Arnold

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson (Tsimikas 81′), Fabinho, Jones (Milner 81′), Gakpo, Salah, Jota (Henderson 72′), Nunez (Diaz 65′)

Unused: Kelleher, Matip, Gomez, Elliott, Carvalho

Brentford: Raya; Zanka, Mee, Pinnock; Hickey, Janelt, Jensen, Onyeka, Henry; Mbeuma, Tony

Subs: Cox, Ajer, Roerslev, Baptiste, Damsgaard, Dasilva, Ghoddos, Wissa, Schade

Next match: Leicester (away, Monday 15 May)