Liverpool keep top four hopes alive as Salah nets winner

Liverpool beat Brentford 1-0 at Anfield on Saturday evening to make it six wins on the trot. It was a win which kept their hopes for a top-four finish alive. The victory means Jurgen Klopp’s side are now just a point behind fourth-placed Manchester United. They have played two matches more though. 

Liverpool started the better of the two sides. Klopp’s charges took the lead in the 13th minute. With the visitors unable to clear their lines, Mohamed Salah scored from close range following Virgil Van Dijk’s headed assist from inside the box. 

The Reds should have doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Trent Alexander Arnold brilliantly set up Darwin Nunez. It was a stunning pass but the Uruguayan fluffed his lines striking wide with the goal at his mercy.

Liverpool eyeing Champions League chase against Manchester United

Brentford thought they had equalized in the 40th minute when Bryan Mbuemo shot past Alisson. However, despite having being played through on goal past van Dijk by Ivan Toney, VAR determined he was offside.

Liverpool got away with sloppy defending and headed into the break with their lead intact.

The Reds should have scored their second in the 53rd minute but Diogo Jota’s pass hit Cody Gakpo’s leg with the Dutchman having an open goal to aim for. 

Brentford did make changes in search of an equalizer but could hardly create a clear-cut chance to trouble Alisson.

The defeat was Brentford’s first loss in three games having won their last two. The London side stay ninth with 50 points from 35 games. 

With Liverpool closing the gap, the race for the top four is perhaps more intense than at any other part of the campaign.

Klopp’s men have rediscovered their mojo in a stuttering season but will hope arch-rivals United drop points in the coming games.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo