Liverpool player ratings: Salah 8/10 for brace vs. Brentford

Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 win over Brentford at Anfield.

The home side scored twice through Darwin Núñez, who was offside on both occasions, but the Uruguay international quickly played a part in the opening goal with his ninth career assist for Mohamed Salah, whose first touch was as impressive as its finish.

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The Reds were forced to defend well in a few brilliant moments at Brentford after the restart, but ultimately it was a lapse in concentration from the Bees that saw them lose 2-0. Kostas Tsimikas crossed the ball towards the back post just before it was completely out of play and, despite calls from defenders, Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead with a precise header.

Jurgen Klopp’s side’s second goal allowed them to start to find their rhythm, and they quickly put the game out of reach as Diogo Jota produced a fine effort from the edge of the box for Liverpool’s third.

Luis Díaz and Harvey Elliott were introduced in the 83rd minute as the Reds played out the rest of the match in an impressive victory.

Good points

Liverpool created plenty of chances in a performance in which they looked at their best after two games without a win to stay in touch with the Premier League title race.

Negative points

There were a few moments where Liverpool needed better concentration. Brentford had a few chances that they should have done better with, particularly Bryan Mbeumo’s chance in the first half which could have put the visitors 1-0 ahead.

Manager’s note

Jürgen Klopp, 8 years old – Klopp came into this match with a number of injuries affecting his team, and he seemed to get the best out of his team who produced a performance worthy of all three points.

Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Alisson, 7 years old — An important save kept the game at 0-0 after Brentford striker Mbeumo attempted a deft shot at him, with the goalkeeper reacting quickly to palm the ball away onto his left hand. Another important save in the second half denied a powerful header from Ethan Pinnock

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 years old – Unlucky not to get an assist with an excellent pass to Salah just before the break in an overall positive performance in the attacking areas. He could have been slightly better positioned against Mbeumo in the first half before Brentford’s best chance of the game.

DF Joël Matip, 8 years old — Matip was unlucky to be booked for his reaction to being penalized for a foul after neatly recovering the ball, but his performance improved afterwards. He quickly played a key role in Liverpool’s opening goal after a tackle started the attack from high up the pitch. A strong block defined an assured defensive display, preventing a Christian Norgaard effort inside the box.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 8 years old — The Liverpool captain commanded his defense well in a solid all-round performance, and he came close to scoring after forcing a save from goalkeeper Mark Flekken from a corner. Comfortably defended dangerous situations in the second half, with a crucial intervention to keep the match at 3-0.

DF Kostas Tsimikas, 8 years old — The Greek international enjoyed moving forward where he was able to join Jota. He made a few dangerous crosses by stretching the play down the left flank, securing two assists at the end of his day’s work.

MF Wataru Endo, 7 years old — The Japan international produced a confident performance at the base of midfield, where he replaced the suspended Alexis Mac Allister. Endo helped control the tempo of the game well and seemed comfortable playing at a high tempo. Signs that it is starting to take hold in Merseyside.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 years old — Brentford defenders struggled to pick up Szoboszlai when he drifted forward to connect with the attack, and he always looked to play progressively when in possession. Provided plenty of energy in midfield, relentlessly pressing Brentford in moments when they looked to build in central areas.

Mr. F. Cody Gakpo, 7 years old — Gakpo looked calm on the ball when in possession, and he chose the right moments to head straight towards the defense. I made an effort from distance in the second half, but I couldn’t score it.

FW Mohamed Salah, 8 years old — A cool finish gave Liverpool the lead in a performance where Salah was involved in the majority of the Reds’ best attacks, and he scored his second goal of the match when he headed in a Tsimikas cross.

FW Darwin NUNez, 7 — Almost opened the scoring after being slightly offside for his first effort, but the striker was a constant threat throughout the day and he timed his pass to Salah perfectly for Liverpool’s opening goal.

FW Diogo Jota, 7 — Jota was a handful for his marker as his clever movement put Brentford in difficult defensive transitions. The 26-year-old was precise in his decision-making and capped his performance with an impressive right-footed strike from the edge of the box.

Substitutes

Harvey Elliott (Gakpo, 83′), N/R — He tested the keeper from distance with an effort that was almost pushed into Salah’s path.

Luis Díaz (Jota, 83′), N/R — Brilliant when introduced, always looking to directly challenge his marker.

Jarell Quansah (Alexander-Arnold, 90′), N/R — Introduced for the final minutes of the match.

James McConnell (Szoboszlai, 90+3′), N/R — Made his Premier League debut in the dying moments.