Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino were on target as Liverpool beat Brentford 3-0 to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
Coming into the game without a win in their last three Premier League encounters, Liverpool needed a victory on Sunday. And, the Reds made a solid start against Brentford, controlling possession for large phases and creating chances, with Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming close to breaking the deadlock, only to be denied by Alvaro Fernandez.
However, they had to wait till the 44th minute for the first goal as Fabinho powered home a header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner to make it 1-0. The game followed a similar pattern after the break, with Diogo Jota seeing an effort saved by Fernandez before Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the second in the 69th minute with a fine header after getting on the end of Andrew Robertson’s cross.
Eight minutes later, Liverpool killed off the contest, as substitute Takumi Minamino slotted the ball into the net after a neat exchange with Roberto Firmino. Brentford hardly troubled the Reds’ defence, with Bryan Mbeumo’s chance around the hour-mark being the only moment of danger they conjured up.
The result sees Liverpool move past Chelsea into second place in the Premier League standings, two points clear of the Blues with a game in hand. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are still 11 points shy of leaders Manchester City. Here is how we rated the performances of the Liverpool stars after a convincing win at Anfield.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker: 6.5/10
A comfortable outing in goal for Alisson, who was not tested a great deal by Brentford. The Brazilian showed good alertness to claim a few aerial balls and had just one save to make late in the game to deny Ivan Toney.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10
The Liverpool right-back was a constant attacking outlet down the right flank, as usual, and delivered some good crosses for the likes of Jota and Firmino to attack. He got the assist for the opener with a fine corner kick and had a couple of shooting chances himself.
Most Premier League assists provided by defenders:
53 – Leighton Baines [420 games]
45 – Andy Robertson [204 games]
44 – Graeme Le Saux [327 games]
43 – Trent Alexander-Arnold [148 games]What a duo ? #awlive [william hill] pic.twitter.com/brQjTqFBd7
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) January 16, 2022
Joel Matip: 7/10
The former Cameroonian international was largely composed on the afternoon, barring one or two moments of concern. A misplaced pass led to a chance for Brentford in the first period, but Matip recovered well and was comfortable against whatever Brentford threw at him.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
The Dutchman came close to scoring in the first period but had his shot cleared. Defensively, he was never really stretched but was alert when needed to be to deal with Toney and Mbeumo. Solid and resolute as ever.
Andrew Robertson: 7/10
The left-back was his usual energetic self, running up and down the flank with great intensity. Robertson, however, was unable to produce quality crosses in the first half but improved after the break and set Oxlade-Chamberlain up for the second with a sumptuous delivery.
Jordan Henderson: 6.5/10
The Liverpool skipper did what was needed of him without really standing out on the day. Henderson kept things ticking along nicely in the middle and made some decent forward runs, although he could not impact proceedings a great deal in attack.
Fabinho: 8/10
Three goals in three games for Fabinho ? pic.twitter.com/qHQPd6fsWz
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 16, 2022
The Man of the Match on the afternoon, Fabinho ensured Liverpool stayed in control in midfield, making key interceptions and winning second balls regularly while spraying some nice passes forward. The Brazilian got the ball rolling for the Reds with a good header in the first period and drew a save from Fernandez early in the second half.
Curtis Jones: 7/10
Replacing James Milner in the lineup, the Liverpool academy product enjoyed an impressive outing against Brentford. Jones looked to drive at the opposition with the ball at his feet and carved out one or two decent opportunities for himself and his teammates. He was also willing to put in the hard yards off the ball.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7/10
The Englishman got the nod on the right flank and made a decent enough start, playing some good-looking passes, although some of his decision-making was questionable at times. Oxlade-Chamberlain made a great run to get on the end of Robertson’s cross to make it 2-0 with a diving header in the second half. He was taken off soon after with an ankle issue.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored a Premier League goal at Anfield for the first time since July 2020 against Chelsea.
The Ox is back. ? pic.twitter.com/rPlnv3Nfcl
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 16, 2022
Roberto Firmino: 7/10
Lively as usual at the top, Firmino linked up well with those around him and created a few chances in the first period. He grew more threatening in the second half and got the assist for Minamino’s goal after winning the ball in a dangerous area.
Diogo Jota: 6/10
The Portuguese international wasn’t at his brilliant best on the day as he lacked the finishing touch to make his chances count in the first half, while his passing, at times, was sloppy. Jota did improve after the break and struck the woodwork while also drawing a save from Fernandez.
SUBSTITUTES
Takumi Minamino: 7/10
On for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 74th minute, the Japanese international celebrated his 27th birthday with a goal soon after coming on.
James Milner: N/A
Replaced Firmino in the 78th minute as Klopp sought to see off the game.
Kaide Gordon: N/A
He made his Premier League debut replacing Jota in the 82nd minute. Gordon had a shot saved by Fernandez.
