Liverpool
5 things to consider from Brentford 1-4 Liverpool as Salah is back and playing well, but the injuries stack up.
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Liverpool ought to be feeling upbeat right now, but they lost easily 4-1 against Brentford in a match that could end up being crucial in an unexpected way due to injuries to important players.
The five things spotted during the game
Win but may be a serious blow to the title
Win but may be a serious blow to the title
Following this triumph, the focus should be about Liverpool strengthening their title chances by achieving a significant outcome at a venue that has proven difficult for them to visit in the past.
Regretfully, it is difficult to escape the impression that the Reds have been dealt a championship blow here, despite winning a game that puts them five points ahead of their opponents in the Premier League.
While it is reasonable to assume that Curtis Jones’ ankle flip has not caused anything too serious, it would take a very hopeful person to believe that Diogo Jota has not sustained a knee injury that could endanger the rest of his season.
Wearing safety boots and braces, respectively, they emerged from the ground.
It’s not only that the Portuguese would be added to an absurdly long list of people who would find this difficult to accept.
In actuality, he continues to be Liverpool’s second-greatest goal threat after Mohamed Salah, which is largely to thank for Klopp’s ability to regularly use him both in his starting lineup and as a substitute.
If the Reds are to continue winning games at this pace, they really cannot afford to lose him for an extended period of time. For that reason, this game may be pivotal.
M.Salak Back with a bang
If Liverpool has been lucky with injuries this year, it’s been because key players have been recovering at the same time as new issues have arisen.
This instance demonstrated it once more, as Salah made his Reds debut for the first time since New Year’s Day, matching Jota’s withdrawal.
The Egyptian demonstrated how crucial his return is to creating opportunities for goals, hitting them, and generally endangering Brentford’s defence.
As Klopp’s team enters the final stretch hoping to win on four fronts, he will undoubtedly be the first name on the roster.
Endo/Mac Allister combination approaching
In what was a pretty level first half here, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister’s new midfield combination did not appear particularly balanced, as it had against Burnley the previous weekend.
However, a stronger showing in the second half from both demonstrated the importance of their developing alliance, especially the play that put Liverpool ahead 2-0.
Beginning it with a header, Endo put on a display that included winning five duels, making 14 passes into the final third, and generally matching Brentford’s physicality.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, completed the scoring with a goal, two created chances, and six defensive plays.
Although there’s still a sense that this combination may perform even better, Liverpool’s victory in this game represented a significant advancement.
Thomas Frank is unimpressive at the tryout
Although Xabi Alonso is still the centre of attention, Thomas Frank is one of the other candidates being mentioned as Klopp’s successor as Liverpool manager this summer.
However, despite the Dane’s undeniable charm and likeability, this match did little to dispel rumours that his style of play would not mesh well at Anfield.
The Reds faced a muscular, direct team focused on set pieces and flick-ons, like they have every time they have faced Brentford since being promoted.
It is, of course, a tactical strategy that has allowed the Bees to become a regular fixture in the top division after a 74-year absence.
But it is difficult to see it generating the domination required to consistently win championships, which is precisely what Liverpool will be searching for in Klopp’s replacement.
Gravenberch makes a memorable cameo.
You never quite know what to expect from Ryan Gravenberch on the pitch as a young player still getting used to life in the Premier League.
However, the Dutchman gave his best performance after being thrust into the action due to an injury blow to Jones.
These are Jones-like stats: three clearances, three recoveries, five out of eight ground duels won, and an 82 percent passing accuracy.
In Liverpool’s second goal, he was crucial as well, bringing in two players before letting Salah go to set up Mac Allister.
Gravenberch will undoubtedly deserve a long tenure on the team if he can maintain these kinds of performances throughout any Jones absences.
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