Liverpool, Fabinho dominate Brentford 3-0 without key players

Liverpool took the pitch at Anfield on Sunday without Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita to host Brentford in their return to Premier League action.

The Reds’ midweek 0-0 draw with Arsenal in the Carabao Cup did not inspire much confidence in the Liverpool lineup without the trio of players currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, but with Manchester City on a seemingly unending rampage through the top flight, this was a must-win.

The first half was relatively quiet, with the Reds dominating possession as expected but struggling to create any convincing finishes. Brentford were even able to knock on Allison’s door a few times before Fabinho finally broke through for the opener for Liverpool, heading in a bouncing corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold just before halftime.

After the break, it was all Liverpool. The few opportunities the Bees had found in the first half were non-existent in the second. The Reds, on the other hand, were finally able to cash in on the chances they were given. Andrew Robertson placed a beautiful cross to the head of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to put Liverpool up two goals, and the game was fully secured just minutes later with Roberto Firmino taking advantage of a Brentford misplay to assist a close-range Takumi Minamino goal.

Liverpool began the day 14 points behind Man City with two games in hand. Their victory today cut that deficit to 11 points with a game still in hand.

The Reds will return to Premier League action next Sunday at Crystal Palace after a midweek Carabao Cup game against Arsenal.

GK/Defenders

Allison – 6

Low rating really through no fault of his own, as Allison was not required to make a single save against Brentford on Sunday. He was comfortable handling aerials and touches with his feet when called upon, but it was overall a quiet game for him.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8

Alexander-Arnold made his presence known early with two decent shots, one blocked and one just off target, in the first half before sending in a bouncing corner to Fabinho to assist on the Reds’ opening goal. The Scouser continued to fire off shots in the second, another two just off target. He finished the game with 3 key passes, 1 big chance created and 3 duels won.

Joel Matip – 7

Matip continued to be solid defensively for the Reds, with 2 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 clearances. He made a decent solo run into the Brentford box before firing a weak shot directly at Fernandez.

Virgil Van Dijk – 7

Van Dijk nearly scored a Liverpool opener early that was blocked off a brilliant save off Brentford keeper Alvaro Fernandez’s feet. He was not often challenged defensively by the opponents but looked calm and composed on the few occasions Brentford pushed forward.

Andy Robertson – 8

Robertson placed a stellar cross to the head of Oxlade-Chamberlain to put Liverpool up 2-0. The assist sees him surpassing Graeme Le Saux to take second on the all-time Premier League defender assists list, in 123 fewer games. Robertson also won 7 of 8 ground duels, had an interception, and had a key block on a shot