Darwin Nunez steps up while Kostas Tsimikas misses opportunity – 4 key takeaways from Brentford match

Darwin Nunez rescued Liverpool on a frustrating afternoon against Brentford, scoring a late brace to secure three crucial points for the team.

It hasn’t been the January Arne Slot and his Liverpool side had hoped for, leaving room for their Premier League title challengers to close the gap.

Nunez eased the disappointment for Liverpool with two goals in stoppage time, following a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest earlier in the week.

Heading into the Brentford match, Liverpool were four points clear at the top of the league with a game in hand over second-place Arsenal. Kostas Tsimikas was tasked with countering Brentford’s counter-attacks, but he found himself on a tightrope after receiving a booking early in the second half.

The Reds seemed to have misplaced their shooting boots until Nunez made his impact. They managed 30 shots over the course of the game but couldn’t convert, despite clear chances from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. Dominik Szoboszlai also hit the crossbar.

Mohamed Salah’s contract situation continues to be a talking point, and the Egyptian was largely quiet in this match. While he provided some quality passes, he struggled to find space for goal-scoring opportunities.

Nunez eventually broke the deadlock late in the match, scoring twice in quick succession to give Liverpool a vital win. Still, Slot and his team have work to do as Arsenal remain in hot pursuit.

The Left-Back Problem

Although Liverpool sit atop the Premier League and rarely lose, a defensive issue persists, particularly at left-back. While Andy Robertson has been a loyal and effective player, age is catching up with him, and backup Kostas Tsimikas has yet to impress significantly.

Liverpool have been linked with Milos Kerkez, a 21-year-old Hungarian international from Bournemouth. Kerkez offers both solid defensive and attacking contributions. As a teammate of Reds’ midfielder Szoboszlai, his potential move could work in Liverpool’s favor. However, Kerkez won’t come cheap, and Bournemouth will likely demand a hefty fee for their rising star.

Missed Chances

Liverpool recorded 19 shots in the first half and a total of 30 by the final whistle at the G-Tech. The Reds have struggled to find consistent goal-scorers beyond Salah, with Diaz, Gakpo, and Nunez being inconsistent.

While they remain top of the table, their lack of finishing could hinder their Premier League title aspirations. They managed to get the win this time, but such luck may not hold in future matches.

Konate’s Importance

Ibrahima Konate was a standout performer for Liverpool. The pace of Brentford’s attack, combined with Liverpool’s high defensive line, put pressure on the team, but Konate handled the situation admirably. Despite injury issues in his Liverpool career, Konate’s impact is clear when fit.

Nunez’s Moment

Darwin Nunez thrives in chaotic situations, and this game was no exception. Despite being jeered by Brentford fans when he entered, Nunez silenced them with two quick goals in stoppage time.

Though often criticized for his finishing, Nunez delivered at the crucial moment. The Liverpool fans showed their appreciation, and he fully deserved the praise.