‘Moments like this win titles’ – Liverpool are ‘level above their rivals’

In the race for the title, has Liverpool just dealt a fatal blow?

Darwin Nunez’s controversial late double in a 2-0 victory over Brentford gave the Reds a decisive response just when slight skepticism began to surface regarding their Premier League-winning credentials.

Especially after title contenders Arsenal blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa at home a few hours later, leaving Arne Slot’s team six points ahead of the Gunners in second place with one game remaining.

“Arne Slot stated during the week that Darwin Nunez was not fired by him. Chris Sutton stated on BBC Radio 5 Live, “What a crucial goal that could be for Liverpool.

“He will take advantage of those kinds of chances.

“That’s how titles are earned. pursuing your goals, persevering through hardships, and seizing opportunities. “,”.

It was always anticipated that a trip to Brentford, who have the third-best home record in the division, would put Liverpool’s character and capacity to maintain a championship charge to the test following back-to-back draws with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool threw everything at Brentford, trying 37 shots as they controlled the game, but it wasn’t until the 91st minute that the standoff was broken when substitute Nunez turned in from close range. Two minutes later, the Uruguayan forward completed the victory with his second of the day.

This month, Brentford has faced Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal at home in the Premier League.

Before losing to Liverpool late, the Bees rallied from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Manchester City and lost 3-1 to Arsenal.

According to Brentford manager Thomas Frank, “We just played City and Arsenal and now Liverpool, in a short amount of time,” he told BBC Sport.

“They are, in my opinion, superior to the two teams. They are whole. Good indicators are their work ethic and how they follow up.

“They’re excellent everywhere on the field. Such a danger in the future. It is the world’s and the Premier League’s best team. They are very likely to win the title. “.”.

Liverpool was a strong contender for the title when they first started in August, but in recent weeks, their momentum had seemed to be waning.

In their first 18 games, Slot’s team lost one, drew three, and dropped nine points. However, they lost two of their previous two games before playing Brentford.

It seemed like two more would beg after the first ninety minutes of Liverpool’s trip to London. Nevertheless, they persevered and showed spirit to finish the task.

Later in the day, Arsenal was unable to keep up with Aston Villa, wasting a two-goal lead during a dramatic eight-minute period in the second half.

Paul Merson, a former Gunner, stated on Sky Sports, “I would be shocked if Liverpool didn’t win the league now – Arsenal doing that, it’s a massive swing – Liverpool scoring two goals in injury time.”.

In Slot’s first season at the club, Liverpool’s late victory might be the impetus needed over the next few weeks to win the major prize.

“There are some really dejected faces in the Arsenal crowd—it’s been a big day in the title race and it has swung even further for Liverpool,” Gary Neville stated on Sky Sports.

After Gabriel Martinelli had opened the scoring, Kai Havertz wheeled away to celebrate Arsenal’s second goal against Villa, and the clock was ticking into the 55th minute.

Just thirteen minutes later, however, Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans brought Villa even.

Mikel Merino’s shot off Havertz went in three minutes from time, giving the Gunners a late comeback, but a video assistant referee (VAR) check for handball disallowed the goal.

This season, Arsenal has fallen 12 points short of winning spots in the Premier League, which is the most they have done in a single season since 2019–20 (21).

“We were extraordinary. “I am really pleased with our performance, our dominance, our fluidity, and the amount of effort we put in,” manager Mikel Arteta told BBC Sport.

In six days, we participated in three games. Feeling both a sense of pride and disappointment. We’re worthy of better. We are sad because we didn’t receive it.

There are times, and it’s clear that Liverpool was able to accomplish that [win]. Subs created the impact and altered the game, and they created the subs.

“Even though we gave up the two goals that were so close to one another, it was the opposite on our end. The risk was that, given our physical exhaustion, I knew half the team might lose. “,”.

In recent weeks, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as possible title rivals of Liverpool.

However, after losing 4-1 at home to Bournemouth earlier on Saturday, the Magpies are now in fourth place and 12 points behind, while Nottingham Forest, in third place, is nine points behind a Sunday matchup with bottom-place Southampton.

The Egyptian has scored 18 league goals in the league and 21 goals in all competitions this season, making Mohamed Salah Liverpool’s top scorer once again.

In his last three games, he has failed to score, which has coincided with Liverpool’s recent decline in play.

But the unexpected hero turned out to be Nunez.

In June 2022, the 25-year-old left Benfica for Liverpool for £64 million, having scored 34 goals in 41 games for the Portuguese team the season before.

Nunez scored nine goals in the Premier League during his first season and eleven in 2023–2024.

Before the pivotal double at Brentford, he had only managed two goals this season.

The Uruguayan forward has made 16 appearances for Liverpool in the league, but only seven of those have been from the starting lineup. He is quickly making an impact for Slot.

When he enters the game, Slot told BBC Sport, “He always has a lot of impact, he brings energy and power.”.

He performs best during the final 30 minutes of our games, which is when we are in control of about 18 yards.

“It’s nice to have someone like Darwin after the first hour, which is usually open, but the last half is dominant. “.