Darwin Nunez was the hero for Liverpool, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late victory over Brentford, sending 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 missed chance after chance – 35 to be exact.
With more dropped points looking likely, it looked like Arsenal would have a chance to cut the gap to two points with Brentford just minutes away from a point, but with time ticking away, substitute Nunes came to the rescue, scoring with his team’s 36th shot. of the game to break the deadlock and spark wild celebrations from the away team.
The Uruguay international 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 final whistle to secure a crucial victory in Liverpool’s bid to win the title.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
It was a heavy blow for Brentford, who had arguably the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slipped in Mads Roerslev in the overlap. The full-back laid the ball 6 yards out for Mikkel Damsgaard, who couldn’t find the final touch from close range.
Brentford’s threat continued to come from the alert Mbeumo, who twice beat Kostas Tsimika before firing straight at Reds keeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool’s dominance grew as the half wore on.
Domink Szoboszlai’s strike clipped the top of the bar, while Cody Gakpo was unable to beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken when he slotted in after a stunning counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool went 19 shots without scoring in the first half and their dominance continued after the break.
The chances continued to come thick and fast for Liverpool, who threw on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Nunez as they searched for the breakthrough.
The visitors had just eight shots on target in the match as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Flecken. Nunez even spurned a huge chance, curling a free header wide of the target.
Brentford threatened themselves on the break as Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were denied by Alisson, but in the end, as Arsenal could have had a chance to cut the gap to two points, it was Nunez who was in the right position on the right. time to keep Liverpool’s title bid steady.
More to come.
Darwin Nunez celebrates his and Liverpool’s second goal
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2025-01-18 20:00:00
