Liverpool 2-0 Brentford. Arne Slot’s first Premier League home game as Liverpool manager ended in a victory, as the Reds extended their winning start to the season with a 2-0 win over Brentford.
Luis Diaz marked his 100th appearance for Liverpool with a decisive 13th-minute goal. The goal came from a rapid counter-attack after Ibrahima Konate cleared a Brentford corner. Mohamed Salah set Diogo Jota on his way, and the Colombian forward finished neatly to give Liverpool the lead.
Liverpool were lively throughout, with Mark Flekken making two key saves to deny Andy Robertson. Brentford, missing striker Ivan Toney as the transfer window nears its end, had their chances too. Christian Norgaard missed a prime opportunity with a free header from about 10 yards out, and Alisson made a crucial save to keep out a Nathan Collins header.
Liverpool put the game beyond Brentford when Salah added a second goal in the 70th minute, finishing expertly with his left foot for his second goal of the season.
Under Slot, Liverpool have showcased an energetic and promising style of play. While there is room for improvement, the team heads into their next match against Manchester United with a perfect start to the Dutchman’s tenure.
Slot’s home debut was met with considerable excitement. The atmosphere at Anfield was electric, with Liverpool owner John W. Henry in attendance. A banner reading “We Got Your Back Arne” and fans waving scarves bearing Slot’s name highlighted the warm welcome for the new manager.
Diaz’s early goal set the tone, with Jota providing the assist and Robertson nearly doubling the lead after a quick exchange with Diaz. Liverpool, however, were occasionally vulnerable, and it wasn’t until Salah’s goal that the home supporters could truly relax.
Liverpool also hit the woodwork with a deflected shot from substitute Cody Gakpo. The team is still in the process of strengthening the squad, which fell short in last season’s title race. The limited transfer activity could be seen as a sign of Slot’s trust in his current squad, though concerns about maintaining form while balancing Premier League and Champions League commitments remain.
Brentford, despite their hard work and competitive play, will be glad when the transfer window closes and Toney’s future is resolved. With Toney absent, Bryan Mbeumo and Keane Lewis-Potter showed determination but without reward. Brentford will need to capitalize on home games, starting with their match against Southampton on Saturday, before facing away games at Manchester City, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
source – BBC
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