Brentford 0-2 Liverpool: Darwin Nunez scores twice in stoppage time to keep Arne Slot’s side’s Premier League title bid on track

Darwin Nunez was the hero for Liverpool, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford to send 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 Slot’s side wasted chance after chance – 35 to be precise.

With more dropped points looking likely, it appeared Arsenal might have the chance to close the gap to two points with Brentford just minutes away from a point, but substitute Nunez came to the rescue, scoring with his side’s 36th shot of the game to break the deadlock and spark wild celebrations from the visitors.

So often the Uruguay international has been criticised for wastefulness in front of goal but he bailed his side out of trouble, adding a second just before the full-time whistle to secure what could be a crucial victory in Liverpool’s bid to win the title.

Van Dijk on Nunez’s contribution: ‘We need everyone at their best’

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was full of praise for Nunez’s contribution and called on his side to keep going as they chase Premier League glory.

“Darwin since the day he came in he brings a lot of energy,” Van Dijk said. “As a striker you’re judged by your goals. Maybe it’s tougher than ever. He’s working hard and learning.

“You have to earn these things. He put his mark on the game. We need everyone at their best. Today was his day.

On the race for the title, Van Dijk added: “Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep going.”

It was a cruel blow for Brentford, who had arguably the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slipped in Mads Roerslev on the overlap. The full back squared the ball across the six-yard box for Mikkel Damsgaard, who could not find the finishing touch from close range.

Brentford’s threat continued to come from the in-form Mbeumo, who twice beat Kostas Tsimikas before shooting straight at Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool’s domination grew as the half went on.

Domink Szoboszlai’s strike clipped the top of the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo could not beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken when in on goal after a stunning counter-attack from the league leaders.

Liverpool racked up 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 Elliot, Curtis Jones, Federicho Chiesa and Nunez as they searched for the breakthrough.

The visitors only had eight shots on target in the match as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Flekken. Nunez even spurned a huge chance of his own, planting a free header wide of the target.

Brentford threatened on the break themselves as Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were denied by Alisson, but in the end, with it looking like Arsenal might have the chance to close the gap to two points, it was Nunez who was in the right place at the right time to keep Liverpool’s title bid firmly on track.

More to follow.

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