Darwin Nunez scored first for Liverpool with a remarkable chip, followed by Alexis Mac Allister’s close-range goal at the Gtech Community Stadium. Salah returned from a hamstring injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt and made his mark on the scoresheet with a precise finish.
Despite Ivan Toney pulling one back for Brentford, Cody Gakpo secured the victory for Liverpool with a late goal. Manchester City and Arsenal have the opportunity to narrow the gap to just two points if they defeat Chelsea and Burnley respectively later on Saturday.
However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faced concerns as injuries forced Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota off the field before halftime, while Nunez was substituted during the interval, further exacerbating the club’s injury issues.
Nunez ignites Liverpool’s path to victory with grace, as the team sets their sights on securing their 20th league title, fully aware of the challenge ahead.
In a pivotal moment, Nunez displayed brilliance by seizing on Jota’s header and executing a remarkable finish. Displaying audacious finesse, he chipped the ball over Mark Flekken, exploiting the goalkeeper’s narrowed angle.
While Nunez is often portrayed as a disruptor, relying on instinct rather than strategy, his performance showcased intelligence and composure, paving the way for Liverpool’s triumph.
Certainly, Klopp and his coaching staff have honed Nunez’s skills since his £64 million transfer from Benfica in 2022, refining the raw talent he brought to the team.
Liverpool’s upcoming showdown with City at Anfield on March 10 looms ominously. It appears inevitable that Nunez and City’s striker, Erling Haaland, will emerge as the central figures in the buildup to this highly anticipated match.
Salah reappeared in Liverpool’s match, taking the field in the 44th minute as a replacement for the injured Jota, marking his first game since New Year’s Day. His return brought a significant boost to Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah's game by numbers vs. Brentford:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 17, 2024
100% pass accuracy (21/21)
100% take-ons completed (2/2)
7 touches in opp. box
2 shots
2 chances created
1 shot on target
1 goal
1 assist
Letting the Premier League know he's back. 👀#BRELIV pic.twitter.com/AW7ZIPr0JA
Initially displaying signs of rustiness, Salah missed an opportunity to anticipate a cut-back from Luis Diaz inside the six-yard box and also failed to capitalize on a good chance, dragging a shot wide.
However, he swiftly regained his form. Following a skillful finish by Mac Allister, Salah played a crucial role in securing the victory. His speed and agility proved too much for defender Ben Collins as he expertly guided a shot past Flekken. Furthermore, Salah assisted in Gapko’s goal.
Salah has now both scored and assisted in 30 different Premier League games, a milestone matched only by Wayne Rooney (36), Thierry Henry (32), and Alan Shearer (31).
Despite Salah’s return, Liverpool fans are worried about the fitness of Jones, Jota, and Nunez, who have joined the ranks of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alisson, and Thiago Alcantara on the injury list.
Klopp expressed uncertainty about the extent of Jones’ injury but voiced concern about Jota’s condition, describing it as “not looking good at all,” and mentioned that Nunez “felt something” before being substituted.
Liverpool might have to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on 25 February without some key players.
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