I’m not one for hyperbole, but if Liverpool don’t win every Premier League match from here forward, the title race is over.
At a minimum, how about a few less draws?
The Reds host Brentford today. The last time these two played, it ended in an exciting but frustrating draw. Which has basically been the entire domestic season.
The last time Brentford played a league match at Anfield, it was 1946. Been a minute.
Can Liverpool earn three points today and at least trick us all into believing this is an actual title race against Manchester City?
A really uninspiring first half. However, Liverpool squeak a goal out right before stoppage time. Fabinho heads in a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner to put the Reds up 1-0 at the break.
Liverpool finally perked up midway through the second half. Goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino give the Reds a 3-0 win.
Here are Liverpool player ratings vs Brentford.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Brentford
Manager
Jurgen Klopp (5) –
How about not drawing? Klopp runs out the starting XI most of us were hoping to see.
Mixed bag. Squad is just flat. Something off. Yes a 3-0 victory sounds good. But it didn’t LOOK good if that makes sense.
Goalkeeper
Alisson (6) –
Clean sheet always good but was never under any pressure.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.5) –
Driving forward early. Aggressive dribble into the box in the 12th, but sees his shot blocked. Definitely our most assertive attacker to start things off. While not his best corner ever, gets the assist as it bounces to Fabinho’s head for the opener. Took a ton of shots (4) today. Strong outing.
Virgil van Dijk (7) –
Two good outings in a row. Starting to look like his old self.
Joel Matip (7.5) –
Who doesn’t love Joel? Took 3 shots. Won 5 aerials. Won 2 tackles. Best CB in England?
Andy Robertson (8) –
Back in the line-up after his red card ban. Like against Arsenal on Thursday, corners just not finding their mark early on. However, Robbo really steps up in the second half. Creating big chance after big chance. Wonderful ball to Ox to earn an assist. Won a couple of aerials even. Strong defensive work.
Midfielders
Curtis Jones (7.5) –
Like seeing him in the line-up. One of the few who looked strong in the Carabao Cup tie vs Arsenal. Playing with confidence, connecting well. Looks like he’s taking a leap. Silky smooth on ball and in possession.
Jordan Henderson (7) –
Need to see more from him today. Energy and ambition are there early on. Doing all the dirty work today.
Fabinho (8.5) –
ALL FABINHO DOES IS SCORE GOALS. Seriously, our most prolific scorer the past week or so. Fab finds the net right before first half stoppage with an alert header off a Trent corner. Won 7 (!!!) aerials. Completed 92% of his passes. Think we might have our MotM here.
Forwards
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7.5) –
Has looked in form again. Just more at midfield than as a forward. Still, good to see Ox getting the start. Quiet first half though is trying to assert himself. Sharp header off a Robbo cross puts Liverpool up 2-0. Appears to have injured his ankle and subbed off for Taki in the 74th minute.
Roberto Firmino (7) –
Good work out but not making an impact. More assertive in the second half. Gets his assist by feeding Taki in the 77th minute. Immediately subbed off.
Diogo Jota (6) –
Desperately trying to get his head on an opener. Unlike Salah and Mane who can create opportunities out of thin air, he needs service to be effective. He’s not getting that service despite making the runs. Hits the post in the 63rd minute. Subbed late.
Substitutions
Takumi Minamino (7) – Subs on for Ox and immediately scores. Go Taki Lad!
James Milner (NR) – Comes on for Bobby in the 78th.
Kaide Gordon (NR) – Nice! Late sub for Jota.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Gotta go with Fabinho today. He was a force.
