Arne Slot has praised Darwin Nunez's “energy and power” after the Uruguayan scored a stoppage-time double in their 2-0 win over Brentford.
Liverpool looked set to secure their third consecutive Premier League draw in 2025 after hitting the post and teasing Mark Flek's goal with little success until Nunez's late intervention.
The striker scored twice in a Premier League match for the fifth time in his career, and for the second time as a substitute, previously against Newcastle United in August 2023 (also a comeback win in which he scored the winner in the 93rd minute).
The Reds pushed for a winner throughout, with 37 tries and 3.4 expected goals (xG). In total they had eight shots on target and scored on the last two.
It is the most shots Liverpool have ever had in a Premier League match (since 2003-04), including against Everton in April 2016.
Slot was delighted that Liverpool's pressure was finally paying off, especially with the impact of Nunez, who had publicly backed the Dutchman to silence his critics.
“He always has a lot of impact when he comes in,” Slot told BBC Sport. “Brings energy and strength.
“In most of our matches I have control of about 18 meters for the last half hour, and that is where he is at his best. The first hour is often open, but the last thirty minutes are dominant. Then it is nice to have someone like Darwin.”
“I don't just look at the results. We have created a lot. But now it is a victory, so I don't have to say: look at our performance. I was very satisfied with our performance.
“Brentford made it a battle. They have good players and a good game plan. It was a fun game to watch, like every time Liverpool are on the pitch.”
“During the season you hope for these moments. There are many moments where we could have scored a late winner [Manchester] United, [Nottingham] Frost, Fulham. Today it worked. We managed to score in the last few seconds.
“We almost didn't get what we deserved. The number of chances we created was just like Tuesday against Vorst – a lot. We almost went away without a win. That, combined with a late winner, is what we were most happy with. And it It was an important match.”
Brentford, meanwhile, suffered a late heartbreak as they were unable to hold on for what would have been a second impressive draw against a 'big six' side, having fought back to draw 2-2 in midweek to play against Manchester City.
The Bees' home form was particularly impressive at the start of the season, as they won seven of their first eight Premier League games at the Gtech Community Stadium (D1), but they have now failed to score any of their last four (D1 L3) to win. .
Despite narrowly missing out on a valuable point, Thomas Frank remained optimistic about his team's performance against the league leaders.
“I thought we played a really good game at the moment against the best team in the world,” he told BBC Sport. “We did a lot of things well. We defended very well. We gave away the chances, but not too many.
“We probably lacked the last lead. We had some good chances and opportunities that never became chances because of the last pass or ball touch. Their centre-backs were exceptionally good.
“We always try to win the game from minute one, no matter who comes here. We knew they would have the ball a little more, but we believed we could win the game.
“Yes. I think in a short space of time we have played against City and Arsenal and now against Liverpool. For me they are a level above the two teams. They are complete. Their work ethic, the way they go about it, is good indicators.
“They are so good all over the pitch. What a threat for the future. These are really good. They are the best team in the Premier League and the world. They are big favorites to win.” [the title].”
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