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
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 0-1 Liverpool
44 mins: Reguilon is booked for a rash challenge. Klopp had his head in his hands briefly there, fearing another injury.
From the free-kick, a pass is played long to Salah, who controls well. He chips it over to Nunez, whose first-time ball is just too long, and Flekken collects.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
42 mins: Jota was briefly back onto his feet, but has gone down again. Mo Salah is warming up on the sidelines.
A second replay shows that Reguilon fell directly on Jota’s knee, so that really could be serious. The Portuguese is stretchered off, and Mo Salah replaces him.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
40 mins: Brentford will be disappointed to have conceded such a soft goal, as they were playing well and had created chances.
Diogo Jota is currently down after a clash, and is receiving treatment. It doesn’t look too serious on the replays – just a coming together.
Brentford 0-1 Liverpool
37 mins: Liverpool haven’t lost a game this season in which they’ve scored first. They seem full of confidence now, and are knocking it around nicely.
34 mins: GOAL! And Liverpool have the lead! A lightning-quick counter from a Brentford free-kick.
Van Dijk clears the ball long, and Jota manages to head the ball on to Nunez, who is clean through.
He has the option of squaring the ball but instead chips Flekken. A classy finish.
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
33 mins: Liverpool have the ball but are currently a man down, with Jones off the field. They still manage to create a half-chance, but Jota can’t reach Jota’s through-ball.
First substitution of the game as Ryan Gravenberch comes on for Curtis Jones.
29 mins: Brentford win the ball in midfield. Maupay dribbled in from the wing and lays the ball off, with Norgaard hitting it from just outside the box. The shot rolls harmlessly wide.
Curtis Jones landed awkwardly in the build-up after being dispossessed, and he’s currently receiving treatment.
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
26 mins: Robertson’s clipped ball over the top releases Diaz, but the Colombian can’t control and it goes out for a goal kick.
Straight after, Jota makes a great run through the centre but is stopped just as he reaches the box, after a great tackle from Ben Mee.
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
24 mins: A Brentford free-kick is almost very well-worked, but Ben Mee just can’t reach the header near the back post.
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
22 mins: Liverpool are having chances now. Jota hits a looping half-volley but it is well saved by Flekken.
A Robertson corner is cleared, but a second results in a Brentford counter. Ajer brings the ball out, but Curtis Jones snuffs it out in the Liverpool box.
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