‘Darwin Nunez MOTM’, Tsimikas 4/10 – Liverpool player ratings v Brentford
Liverpool left it very late to beat Brentford on Saturday and extend their advantage at the summit of the Premier League.
The Reds were looking to take a seven-point margin over Arsenal before they face Aston Villa in the late game at the Emirates Stadium on 18 January.
Two Darwin Nunez strikes made the difference after a resilient Bees performance had left the Reds frustrated in West London, leaving with a 2-0 win.
Here, Liverpool News rates the players out of 10 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Alisson – 6
The Brazilian was in fine form as he made seven saves in the contest, keeping the Red’s clean sheet intact. [Fotmob]
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Did brilliantly to get back and stop Bryan Mbuemo as he countered just before the hour mark and impressed quietly from a creative perspective, creating five chances until a late assist to win the game.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
A stellar performance as he dominated the Bees attackers in the air winning five out of nine aerial duels and used his pace and physical prowess to get back and stop counter-attacks.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
Some lapses in concentration but a solid performance from the Dutchman even though he was not as dominant in the air as he usually is, winning three out of of five those duels.
Kostas Tsimikas – 4 (replaced by Robertson, 65)
Failed to take his opportunity in the starting line-up, booked in the opening ten minutes, successful with just 14 per cent of his crosses and Robertson will likely return against Lille.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
A solid performance at the base of the Reds midfield as he drove the Reds forward with five passes into the final third and recovered the ball six times.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6 (replaced by Jones, 80)
The Argentine created three chances and was a constant presence defensively for his side in the clash, winning five of eight ground duels against a side that love to counter at a fast pace.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7 (replaced by Elliott, 80)
The Hungarian constantly tried to force the opening goal and had a stunning long-range effort that blasted off the crossbar in the first half, with little success throughout.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Constantly tried to make things happen but it was another relatively quiet game for the Egyptian in West London despite the fact he created seven chances.
Luis Diaz – 4 (replaced by Nunez, 65)
Failed to impress in the number nine role once again and his game was summed up by an embarrassing dive just after the hour mark.
Cody Gakpo – 5 (replaced by Chiesa, 87)
An underwhelming performance from the Dutchman, on the lack flank but not for a lack of trying as he created four chances and had five touches in the Bees’ box.
Substitutes:
Andy Robertson – 5
Darwin Nunez – 9
Had a positive impact when he came on and scored two added-time goals to win the contest.
Curtis Jones- N/A
Harvey Elliott – 7
Notched an assist for the second goal, a much-needed contribution after a tough season so far.
Federico Chiesa – N/A
In other Liverpool news, Martin Keown called for a Reds star to be axed after his performance against Brentford.
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