Liverpool stretched their Premier League winning streak to six games following a 1-0 success over Brentford.
Jurgen Klopp’s men now find themselves sitting a point behind fourth-place Manchester United but have played two more games. At one stage reaching next season’s Champions League group phase looked unlikely, though with three matches remaining (and if certain results go their way), it could end up being a reality.
“Talk of Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League can only be taken seriously if West Ham beat Manchester United tomorrow,” Jamie Carragher said.
“At not stage this season have Liverpool been in the top four – which is unbelievable.”
Here’s how the players rated at Anfield:
Liverpool
Alisson – 6.5 – Bagged another clean sheet though booked for timewasting in the process.
Andrew Robertson – 5 – A subdued performance from the oft-marauding left-back.
Virgil van Dijk – 7 – Earned an early yellow for a reckless challenge. He would go on to assist his first goal in the Premier League this season.
Ibrahima Konaté – 6 – Another who played on the edge before going into the book for one too many fouls.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8 – He’s finishing the season in a strong fashion. Alexander-Arnold put on another passing masterclass. Being so comfortable drifting into midfield, not exactly an unfamiliar position, makes you wonder if that’s where his long-term future lies.
“If he played midfield he’d probably save Liverpool 100 million pounds,” as Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports commentary.
Cody Gakpo – 5.5 – Given the physical nature of today’s opponents, Gakpo’s height added some defensive protection from set pieces. Slotted into a three-man midfield and when he did get into attacking positions he proved to be ineffective.
Fabinho – 5 – From a Brentford point-of-view: lucky not to pick up two yellow cards before half-time. Fabinho’s erratic display was a contrast to his usual calm self.
Curtis Jones – 6 – The more proactive member of Klopp’s starting midfield three with his astute passing often complementing those well-timed late runs into the box.
Diogo Jota – 6.5 – Had one effort off-target, however, it was his off-the-ball play that would have impressed Klopp on the sideline.
Darwin Núñez – 4 – Another frustrating outing for the much-maligned Uruguyain marksman. “He has fluffed far too many chances in his first season at Liverpool,” came Jamie Carragher’s response following another gilt-edged chance missed.
Mohamed Salah – 8.5 – His opener was goal number 30 for the season and 100th at home. Furthermore, he became the first Liverpool player to score in nine consecutive games at Anfield in all competitions.
Substitutes:
Luis Diaz (for Núñez 65) – 4 – Came on for the hapless Núñez but couldn’t get into a position to affect the game.
Jordan Henderson (for Jota 72) – 5 – His wealth of experience helped Liverpool see out the game.
James Milner (for Jones 81) – N/A – A late sub.
Kostas Tsimikas (for Robertson 81) – N/A – A late sub.
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Brentford
David Raya – 6.5 – Some uncharacteristic moments in today’s game for the oft-reliable Spanish shot-stopper. He did produce a stunning effort to deny Alexander-Arnold from long range.
Ben Mee – 6 – Showcased frustration when it became apparent Brentford were struggling to cope with Liverpool, that being said he put in another shift, registering no fewer than six clearances.
Ethan Pinnock – 4.5 – Neither good nor terrible. That pretty much described his performance today.
Zanka – 5 – A rare start for the once highly coveted Danish centre-back. There was a flashpoint when he and Jota entered verbal sparring after coming together off the ball.
Rico Henry – 4 – Spent much of today’s game on the back foot. At one point was out-muscled by Gakpo, his only response was to bring the forward down as he looked to break away. It ended up being his last contribution.
Aaron Hickey – 5 – Summed up Brentford today, found himself arriving at the back post but missed the ball with his right foot. When the visitors have had the opportunity to show composure and quality in the box, it has been sorely lacking.
Vitaly Janelt – 4 – By large a passenger in today’s game, though hardly a hindrance to his side cause.
Frank Onyeka – 6.5 – Following a 20-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest, the midfielder found himself back in Thomas Frank’s starting eleven. Proved a good call in the sense he won all but three of his 12 duels.
Mathias Jensen – 6 – No opposition player had more touches in today’s game.
Ivan Toney – 7.5 – Understandably identified as Brentford’s biggest threat (showcased by the fact he won five fouls in this game, more than any other player on either team) and consequently proved to be a nuisance. Plenty of clever touches while keeping Liverpool’s backline honest.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6 – Cautioned for a tactical foul on Jota midway in the opening half. Thought he equalised but it was ruled for offside.
Substitutes:
Kevin Schade (for Henry 72) – 4 – Brought on to bring some fight but it was too little too late.
Josh Dasilva (for Onyeka 72) – 4 – Same as Schade.
Shandon Baptiste (for Janelt 81) – N/A – A late sub.
Mikkel Damsgaard (for Jensen 81) – N/A – A late sub.
Yoane Wissa (for Hickey 88) – N/A – A late sub.