Darwin Nunez proved to the Brentford fans who were having a pop at him he’s more than the “budget Andy Carroll” they were calling him.
Two injury time goals and Liverpool are seven (7) points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was under pressure after recent results and Nunez was thrown on in the 65th minute as a last roll of the dice.
The home fans jeered, calling him Andy Carroll. But Nunez let his football do the talking.
As the clock ran down Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a low cross into the box. Nunez met it with confidence and slotted past Mark Flekken to make it 1-0.
The celebration was dramatic, Nunez ripped off his shirt and got a yellow card.
Liverpool fans and players loved it. Not satisfied with one, Nunez scored again a minute later.
Harvey Elliott found him in the box and Nunez smashed it into the roof of the net. The away fans were going wild, the noise carrying Liverpool’s joy far beyond the Gtech Community Stadium.
This was a big win for Liverpool after a run of poor results. Since beating West Ham over Christmas the Reds had drawn twice and lost to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. The title credentials were being questioned.
Brentford have one of the best home records in the league (only Arsenal have a better one) and posed a big test.
Tomas Frank’s side had lost just twice at home all season and had just come back from behind to get a point against Manchester City.
Brentford were in good form but Liverpool’s pressure paid off. The Reds had 15 corners and finally scored with their 36th and 37th shot.
Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai had chances earlier, Gakpo missed a golden one and Szoboszlai hit the bar.
Brentford made life hard for Liverpool. Their front two, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, were running riot and playing direct. Kevin Schade came on in the latter stages and caused problems.
Brentford’s best chance came when Mikkel Damsgaard misjudged a deflected cross and missed an open goal from 6 yards.
It could have been a game changer but Liverpool’s defence and Brentford’s misfortune meant the Reds kept a clean sheet.
Nunez silenced the critics and showed the depth of the squad.
Arne Slot brought on Nunez, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and even Federico Chiesa to try and get the breakthrough.
Earlier Nunez had been roasted by Trent Alexander-Arnold for a wild shot that went into the stand. But that was just a warm up for his double.
Darwin Nunez’s late brilliance reaffirmed Liverpool’s title ambitions and showcased their fighting spirit.
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