Liverpool secured a third consecutive Premier League victory with a 2-1 win at Brentford, despite a performance that was far from convincing. Alexander Isak's instinctive second-half strike proved decisive, making Liverpool the first team to leave the Gtech Community Stadium with three points since Brighton in February.
The result ended Brentford's unbeaten run in the league and their unbeaten home run, both of which were the longest-standing in the division. It was also the first time Brentford had lost after scoring the first goal since November last year, and their first home defeat since May.
Reds recover after slow start
Liverpool started slowly, dominating possession but lacking penetration against a well-organised Brentford side. The Bees rank 16th for average possession but are top of the Premier League for interceptions per 90 (10.6), with Bournemouth and Ipswich Town close behind.
Brentford's efficiency was evident, with only Manchester City and Brighton accumulating more expected goals (xG). The Bees sit third for big chances created and fourth for possessions won in the final third per 90.
Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first half, managing just 65.6% passing accuracy in the final third and taking five of their seven first-half shots from outside the box. The clearest chance came from Bradley Barcola's anticipation, but his finish let him down.
Brentford took the lead when Igor Thiago lofted a perfectly-weighted pass for Keane Lewis-Potter to head home. The goal exposed Liverpool's defensive frailties, with Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni failing to close down Thiago on the edge of the box.
Red card changes the game
Yehor Yarmoliuk's red card proved to be the turning point. After the break, Liverpool exploited the extra man, with Florian Wirtz and substitute Rio Ngumoha playing key roles. Wirtz created nine open-play chances, the most by any Premier League player in a single game in the last six seasons.
Wirtz's through ball set Victor Munoz on the way to slot home the equaliser past Caoimhin Kelleher. Liverpool's passing accuracy in the final third shot up to 88.6% after the break, with more composure in the final ball.
Isak, isolated for much of the game with just 16 touches, scored the decisive goal from a Barcola header after Liverpool forced an overload in the box. The Bees were reduced to nine men when Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card, but they continued to threaten until the end.
Points what count
While it was far from a vintage performance, the points are what count. Liverpool adapted to a novel game state and system, with two injury withdrawals tying one of Iraola's hands behind his back.
There were encouraging signs: Wirtz showed he can influence a scrappy game, Kerkez was an unsung hero with his overlapping runs, and Nyoni grew into the game after a shaky start. Barcola's wastefulness was frustrating, but his pace and positioning in the final third were again evident.
The Reds aren't quite purring, but with another win on the board against a well-coached, overachieving side, momentum feels regained after what could have been a damaging home defeat to Manchester City. They face high-flying Brighton next week in what promises to be a gripping Sunday afternoon.
