
EPL Index
·25 de agosto de 2024
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford: Salah and Diaz Shine – Full Player Ratings

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·25 de agosto de 2024
Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brentford at Anfield showcased their growing momentum under new manager Arne Slot. Goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah secured the three points, marking Liverpool’s second win in as many Premier League games. Brentford, on the other hand, tasted defeat for the first time this season, as they were outclassed by a sharp and dynamic Liverpool side.
Brentford began the match with energy and intent, looking to capitalise on any potential weaknesses in Liverpool’s evolving setup. However, they were caught out by Liverpool’s rapid counter-attacking prowess. The Bees earned a corner in the 13th minute, hoping to threaten Liverpool’s defence, but the situation quickly turned against them.
Liverpool’s swift breakaway was initiated by Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, who moved the ball with precision. Their efforts culminated in Luis Diaz calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net, leaving Brentford to rue their missed opportunity.
Despite the early setback, Brentford continued to press. Christian Norgaard came agonisingly close to equalising, heading wide from a promising set-piece delivery. Yet, Liverpool remained dangerous on the counter, with Salah missing the target after intricate build-up play, and Trent Alexander-Arnold forcing Nathan Collins into a last-ditch block inside the box.
Going into halftime with a slender lead, Liverpool knew they needed to maintain focus, particularly with Brentford’s ability to create chances. The precariousness of their advantage was highlighted early in the second half when Collins nearly equalised with a powerful header, forcing Alisson into a fine save.
That moment seemed to galvanise Liverpool, who soon regained control. Jota and Salah continued to torment Brentford’s backline, and Alexander-Arnold struck the post directly from a corner, underlining Liverpool’s attacking threat.
With 20 minutes remaining, Liverpool doubled their lead. Diaz, impressive throughout, turned provider, setting up Salah after a high press forced a turnover. The Egyptian star made no mistake, finishing coolly to secure the victory.
Cody Gakpo nearly added a third, hitting the bar late on, but the damage was already done. Liverpool comfortably saw out the match, with Slot’s side looking increasingly composed and confident under his stewardship.
Brentford entered this match undefeated but found themselves largely outplayed by Liverpool’s incisiveness. Manager Thomas Frank had hoped to spring a surprise on Slot, a relative newcomer to the Premier League, but instead saw his team struggle to impose themselves on the game.
Despite some promising moments, particularly through the lively Keane Lewis-Potter, Brentford lacked the cutting edge required to truly trouble Liverpool. The Bees will need to regroup quickly as they navigate what promises to be a challenging Premier League campaign.
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Arne Slot’s start at Liverpool couldn’t have gone much better, with two wins from two and signs of a cohesive, dynamic team emerging. The Reds seem to be adapting well to Slot’s philosophy, with key players like Diaz, Salah, and Konate thriving. For Brentford, it’s back to the drawing board, but they’ve shown enough in the early stages of the season to suggest they’ll remain competitive in the Premier League.