Darwin Nunes was Liverpool’s hero, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford and send the Reds seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s wait to win the league in 2025 looks set to continue as Arne Slott’s side have squandered chance after chance – 35 to be exact.
With more points likely to be dropped, it looked like Arsenal might have a chance to cut the deficit to two points with Brentford just minutes away from the point, but with time running out, substitute Nunez came to the rescue, scoring with his side’s 36th shot. The match to break the deadlock and spark loud celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguay international has often been criticized for his profligacy in front of goal, but he saved his side from trouble in west London, adding a second goal just before the full-time whistle to secure what could be a crucial victory in Liverpool’s bid to retain the Premier League title. Winning the title.
Liverpool player Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
It was a harsh blow for Brentford, who had arguably their best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Brian Mbeumo slipped in Mads Rorslev in the overlapping. The full-back crossed the ball across the six-yard box for Mikkel Damsgaard, who was unable to find the finishing touch from close range.
Brentford’s threat continued from in-form Mbeumo, who twice beat Kostas Tsimikas before shooting straight at Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool’s dominance grew as the half went on.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s shot ricocheted over the crossbar, while Cody Jakpo was unable to beat goalkeeper Mark Flecken when he was on target after a stunning counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool fired 19 shots without scoring any goals in the first half, and their dominance continued after the break.
Opportunities continued to come thick and fast for Liverpool, who brought on Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Nunez as they searched for a breakthrough.
The visitors had only eight shots on target in the match, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failing to trouble Flecken. Nunez even missed a big chance of his own, heading a shot wide of the target.
Brentford threatened on the counterattack of their own as Alisson denied Mbomo and Yoani Wissa, but in the end, even though it looked like Arsenal might have a chance to cut the deficit to two points, it was Nunez who was in the right place on the right flank. Time to keep Liverpool’s title quest on track.
More to follow.
Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring his second goal for Liverpool
The story of the match in statistics…
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