Brentford and Liverpool couldn’t manage a goal with any of the first 46 shots they took on Saturday (Jan 18), but Darwin Nunez did so with the two most important ones in stoppage time as the Reds escaped west London with all three points.
Substitute Darwin Nunez scored a late double to guide Liverpool to victory at Brentford and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
It looked as though Liverpool's wait for a league win in 2025 was going to stretch to three games until Nunez stepped up in stoppage time. The Uruguay forward grabbed the opener in the 91st minute with a simple finish from close range after meeting a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. And Nunez scored again two minutes later, showing patience in a crowded area to round off a counter-attack as Brentford were caught short in defence.
Despite taking so long to break the deadlock, Liverpool had dominated possession and territory for large periods and were fully deserving of all three points.
Dominik Szoboszlai saw an effort crash off the top of the crossbar in the first half and Luis Diaz should have made more of an attempt with his head after emerging unmarked at the far post.
Brentford were happy to sit deep and soak up pressure but struggled to pose any serious threat on the counter, with striker Bryan Mbeumo left isolated. The Merseyside outfit maintained complete control of the tempo in the latter stages as Brentford dropped ever deeper, but lacked the potency in front of goal which they oozed in the first half of the season until Nunez delivered the decisive blows.
Liverpool sit six points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who drew 2-2 against Aston Villa later on Saturday, and they also have a game in hand.
Brentford stay 11th after a third loss in four home fixtures.
