Liverpool needed a response, and they got one.
After the disappointment of the defeat from Manchester City last weekend , Andoni Iraola’s side travelled to the Gtech Community Stadium knowing they needed to show more resilience. What followed was a frustrating first half, a controversial red card, and a second-half comeback that eventually earned Liverpool a massive 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford.
But while I’m delighted with the three points, I’m not going to pretend it was all good news.
Liverpool had to come from behind, Brentford were reduced to nine men, and there were more injury concerns to worry about. Still, when the final whistle went, the Reds had done what mattered most: they had found a way to win.
Brentford take the lead – then lose their heads
Liverpool had plenty of possession, but Brentford made life difficult and looked dangerous when they had the opportunity to attack.
Just when it looked as though the sides would go into half-time level, Keane Lewis-Potter produced a superb header in the 44th minute to put the hosts ahead.
It was a blow for Liverpool, who had struggled to turn their possession into enough clear-cut chances.
Then came the incident that changed the game.
In first-half stoppage time, Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off after making what referee John Brooks described as a “headbutting action” on Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet. The referee reviewed the incident before showing the Brentford midfielder a straight red card.
Brentford had been in control and were leading, but suddenly they were facing the second half with ten men.
There was still a job for Liverpool to do, though. Having an extra player means very little if you cannot find a way through a determined defence.
Liverpool finally find their breakthrough
I wanted to see Liverpool come out after the break with more urgency, and eventually that extra pressure began to tell.
The equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute, and it was a lovely finish from Victor Muñoz.
Florian Wirtz picked him out with an excellent pass, allowing the Spanish winger to drive forward, cut inside and finish with his left foot past Caoimhín Kelleher.
That was exactly the sort of attacking quality Liverpool needed.
Wirtz deserves credit for creating the opening, while Muñoz showed composure to take his chance. It was an important moment for both players, particularly with Liverpool needing their attacking talent to start producing more decisive contributions.
At 1-1, the momentum was firmly with the visitors.
And eight minutes later, Liverpool completed the turnaround.
Isak delivers when Liverpool need him
Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead in the 70th minute with a clinical finish.
Bradley Barcola headed down Alexis Mac Allister’s cross, and Isak did the rest, finding the net for his fifth goal of the season.
It was a striker’s finish, and a hugely important one.
Liverpool have invested heavily in their attack, and supporters want to see those players making the difference in matches like this. Muñoz and Isak delivered the goals, while Wirtz and Barcola were involved in the two decisive moments.
It was encouraging to see the attacking players combine to turn a difficult afternoon into a victory.
There is still plenty of room for improvement, but this was a reminder of what Liverpool can do when those players begin to click.
Brentford finish with nine men
The closing stages became increasingly difficult for the hosts.
Vitaly Janelt was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time for a foul on Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha, leaving Brentford with just nine players.
By then, Liverpool had already done the important work, but the second dismissal summed up a miserable finish for Keith Andrews’ side.
Brentford will feel that the first red card changed the contest, and it undoubtedly had a major impact. However, Liverpool still had to take advantage, find the equaliser and then score the winner.
They did exactly that.
The comeback will give Iraola something to build on, particularly after Liverpool had struggled to turn possession into goals in recent matches.
The injury concerns are a real worry
Unfortunately, there was a downside to the victory.
Dominik Szoboszlai was forced off before half-time with what appeared to be a recurrence of his hamstring problem. Jeremie Frimpong then came on at the break but was forced off again after only a few minutes.
That is the part of the afternoon I cannot ignore.
Liverpool have important fixtures ahead, and losing players just as they are returning from injury is the last thing Iraola needs. The full extent of either problem remains unclear, so we will have to wait for further updates.
Three points are brilliant, but Liverpool need their squad available if they are going to build any momentum.
A win Liverpool badly needed
I’m pleased with this result, and I think Liverpool deserve credit for responding after falling behind.
They could have become frustrated, especially with Brentford defending in numbers after the red card. Instead, they kept pushing, found a way through and scored twice in eight minutes to turn the game around.
Muñoz took his chance well. Wirtz supplied an important pass. Isak delivered the finish. Barcola and Mac Allister combined for the winner.
Those are encouraging signs.
Of course, the numerical advantage played a huge part, and Liverpool will need to be much better against opponents who keep eleven players on the pitch. But after recent disappointments, I am not going to complain about an away win earned through a second-half fightback.
Liverpool needed three points, and they got them.
Now the challenge is to build on this performance, get the injured players assessed and make sure this result becomes a turning point rather than a one-off.
Iraola will know there is plenty still to improve, but at least his players have shown they can respond when a match starts going against them.
And sometimes, particularly in a difficult season, that fighting spirit matters just as much as the football.
Three points, a comeback and a much-needed response. Now Liverpool have to make it count.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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