Mohamed Salah netted twice as Liverpool preserved their flawless record at Anfield this season, securing a victory against Brentford and climbing to the second spot in the Premier League.
Salah initiated the scoring just before halftime, connecting with a pass from Darwin Nunez and skillfully finishing beyond Mark Flekken. This marked Salah’s ninth goal of the season in the Premier League, and he secured his tenth midway through the second half by heading in a cross from Kostas Tsimikas.
Despite Salah’s exceptional performance on home turf, he missed the opportunity for a hat-trick, also sending a volley over the goal from a superb cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold just before halftime.
Diogo Jota concluded yet another commanding performance at home with a powerful strike.
Brentford’s most promising opportunity occurred in the first half, with Bryan Mbeumo breaking through on goal. However, his chipped attempt lacked power and was cleared off the line by Alexander-Arnold.
With this triumph, Liverpool now possesses 27 points, edging past Arsenal on goal difference, while Brentford holds the 10th position.
Fortress Anfield remains impenetrable
Liverpool struggled to a 1-1 draw at Luton in their recent Premier League match, but their performance at home has been outstanding.
The Reds have secured victories in all six of their league games at Anfield this season, boasting an impressive aggregate score of 17-2. Facing a formidable task, especially considering Brentford’s last victory at Anfield dates back to 1937, the visitors had a challenging assignment.
Credit to the Bees, they set up effectively for the game, causing early frustrations for Liverpool and creating chances on the counter that could have led to an opening goal if Mbeumo had displayed more conviction in his finishing.
However, Salah, who has been in remarkable form at home, continued his scoring streak at Anfield. He calmly finished six minutes before half-time and then secured his second goal, marking his 10th of the season in the Premier League, with a header after the break.
His goals now place him among an elite group, becoming just the fourth player to score in each of his club’s opening six home games of a Premier League season. The exclusive list includes Alan Shearer (1995-96 for Blackburn Rovers), Les Ferdinand (1995-96 for Newcastle United), and Thierry Henry (2004-05 for Arsenal).
Despite Liverpool’s formidable performance at home, their away record has been inconsistent, failing to secure a victory in their last three away league fixtures.
However, with a crucial match against rivals Manchester City on the horizon after the international break, this emphatic win positions Jurgen Klopp’s team well as they aim to reinforce their title aspirations at the Etihad Stadium.
Big ask for Brentford
Following a challenging September with no victories, Brentford entered Anfield in impressive form, seeking a fourth consecutive top-flight win.
Despite facing the formidable home performance of Liverpool, Thomas Frank’s team initially set up effectively and generated a couple of counter-attacking opportunities, which they might have capitalized on more effectively.
Liverpool’s opening goal compelled Brentford to alter their defensive approach, providing the Reds with an opportunity they fully exploited. Nevertheless, Brentford can take some encouragement from this loss, as they continue to hold a strong position in the league standings heading into the international break.
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