Darwin Nunez was the hero for Liverpool, scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford, sending the Reds six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool's wait for a league win in 2025 looked set to continue as Arne Slot's side squandered chance after chance – 35 to be precise.
With more points losses looking likely, it looked like Arsenal could have the chance to close the gap to two points, while Brentford were just minutes away from a point, but substitute Nunez, who had just nine goals in the last eleven months scored, came to the rescue. , scored with his side's 36th shot of the match to break the deadlock and spark wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguayan international has so often been criticized for his waste in front of goal, but he saved his side from trouble by adding a second just before the whistle to secure a crucial win in Liverpool's bid for the title win.
Van Dijk about Nunez's contribution: 'We need everyone at their best'
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised Nunez's contribution and called on his side to continue in their quest for Premier League glory.
“Darwin has brought a lot of energy since the day he came in,” said Van Dijk. “As a striker you are judged by your goals. Maybe it is more difficult than ever. He works hard and learns.
“You have to earn these things. He left his mark on the game. We need everyone at their best. Today was his day.
On the race for the title, Van Dijk added: “Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep going.”
It was a cruel blow for Brentford, who had perhaps the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slid into Mads Roerslev on the overlap. The full back squared the ball across the six-yard box for Mikkel Damsgaard, who couldn't find the finishing touch from close range.
Brentford's threat continued to come from the in-form Mbeumo, who twice beat Kostas Tsimikas before firing straight at Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool's dominance grew as the half progressed.
Domink Szoboszlai's strike hit the top of the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo was unable to beat goalkeeper Mark Fleken when he was on target following a stunning counter-attack from the league leaders.
Liverpool went 19 shots without scoring in the first half and their dominance continued after the break.
The opportunities continued to develop rapidly for Liverpool, who threw on Harvey Elliot, Curtis Jones, Federicho Chiesa and Nunez in their quest for the breakthrough.
The visitors had just eight shots on target in the match as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to trouble Fleks. Nunez even missed his own huge opportunity and headed wide of the goal.
Brentford threatened themselves on the break when Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were denied by Alisson, but in the end, when it looked like Arsenal might have the chance to close the gap to two points, it was Nunez who was in the right place on the right . time to keep Liverpool's title bid firmly on track.
Closing: You hope to have these moments
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was relieved to score a late winner at the Gtech Community Stadium after failing to do so in draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks.
“During the season you hope for these moments,” he said. “Lots of moments – we could have scored a late winner against United, Forest, Fulham. Today it worked. We managed to score in the last few seconds.
“We were close to not getting what we deserved. The number of chances we created was just like Tuesday against Forest – a lot. We were close to leaving without a win. That, combined with a late winner, is what we enjoyed most were happy with it. It was an important match.
“I don't just look at the results. We have created a lot. But now it is a win, so I don't have to say: look at our performance. I was very satisfied with our performance. Brentford made it a fight. They have good players and a good game plan. It was a fun game to watch, like every time Liverpool is on the pitch.”
Frank: Liverpool a level above Arsenal and Man City
Brentford boss Thomas Frank described Liverpool as the best team in the world and big favorites to win the Premier League.
“I thought we played a really good game at the moment against the best team in the world,” Frank said. “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.
“I think in a short space of time we've played against City and Arsenal and now against Liverpool. For me, that's it [Liverpool] are one level above the two teams. They are complete. Their work ethic and the way they leave their mark are 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].”
Strength in depth is key to Liverpool's title challenge
Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at Gtech Community Stadium:
For a long time it looked like it wouldn't be Liverpool's day.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were without their shooting boots as the ball continued to flash wide of the goal.
Darwin Nunez – the hero of the hour for Liverpool – planted a free header wide of Andy Robertson's cross before firing a dreadful effort over the bar from 30 yards as it looked like the Reds were heading for a third straight league match to start 2025 and dropped more points in the race for the Premier League title.
But Nunez and Liverpool came together in the end, and it is Arne Slot's ability to empty Liverpool's bench with new attacking options that could prove crucial in their bid.
Liverpool, who were without the injured Diogo Jota, scored an impressive 37 shots at Brentford – a record for an away side in the Premier League – but it was their ability to keep up that pressure with new legs that ultimately saw them over the line.
Nunez came to the rescue on this occasion but Harvey Elliott, who has not had as many minutes as he would have liked this season, also played a key role from the bench with an assist for the second.
If Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo don't get you, Nunez, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott will! And with other sides in the league struggling with injuries and depleted squads, that depth could be the crucial factor in Liverpool's bid to bring the title back to Anfield.
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