PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 1-0 BRENTFORD

Liverpool made it six wins in a row with a hard fought victory over Brentford this evening. Mohamed Salah’s 100th strike at Anfield was enough to clinch all three points in the end, despite a spirited Bees display. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 7

Didn’t have any real saves of note to make but he had to be quick off his line on occasion to sweep up. Punched one corner away under immense pressure. Was calm in distribution as well, helping the side dominate possession.

Alexander-Arnold – 8.5

Ran the show most of the first half and registered the most touches, final third entries and chances created. What a ball for Nunez! He played a sublime diagonal on the volley to Robertson first half that had the crowd gasping.

Almost made the points safe with a stinging drive from the edge of the box, bringing out a good save from Raya. Was too casual on the ball at times and got caught on it but nothing came of it. Defended well at right back as well.

Konaté – 7.5

Enjoyed a titanic battle with Toney. Lost a fair few headers but won his fair share of duels against the Bees’ skipper. Was penalised for so many free kicks when he was just standing his ground. Booked for kicking the ball away after a foul.

Van Dijk – 8

Booked very early on for taking Onyeka out but it didn’t affect his game. He set up the only goal of the game with a header across the face of goal for Salah to run onto. Defended stoutly, repelling most of Brentford’s long balls into the box.

Outstanding piece of defending to step up and play Mbeumo offside for the disallowed goal. He did similar to Bowen at West Ham a few weeks back. The confidence it takes to step up when the natural inclination is to fall back can’t be underestimated.

Robertson – 6.5

Solid enough today. Was alert to the aeriel bombardment. Took a couple of wicked set pieces himself. Picked up a knock second half, tried to solider on but eventually had to go off for Tsimikas.

Fabinho – 8

Gave away some needless fouls at times but I thought he was immense tonight. He was composed on the ball and picked out Van Dijk with a delicate chip to the backpost for the goal. He won his challenges throughout and stood tall in the face of their late pressure.

Gakpo – 5.5

Not his best ever game but he played his part in the victory. He showed great versatility and tactical intelligence to operate in a midfield role first half, before switching to the false nine position late on. He combined well with Salah at times but his finishing let him down.

He failed to react quickly enough to Jota’s ball across. He then collected a wayward backpass on his chest but with only Raya to beat, fired wide on the half volley. He lost possession a few times as well.

Jones – 6.5

Easy on the eye in possession. First half he played his part in some lovely buildups, combining well with Jota and Robertson around him. Second half he didn’t get on the ball much, but his effort was still there for all to see.

Salah – 9

Match winner yet again, bundling home Van Dijk’s centre after he had started the move himself. He played well again tonight and was in a running battle with Rico Henry. That strike takes him level with Steven Gerrard on the all time goalscorer’s list, as well as shattering some other records as per. King.

Darwin – 5

Led the attack first half. Played a lovely ball in behind for Jota on the break. Worked his socks off but will be kicking himself for missing a glorious chance following Trent’s glorious ball over the top. Switched to the left wing second half before going off a little over the hour mark.

Jota – 6.5

It was a nice surprise to see him get the nod, with the pre-match talk being that he was struggling with a knock. He played on the left wing first half and made some strong driving runs. He then switched to the right second half, before taking up a more central position.

Showed excellent movement to collect Salah’s pass in behind the visitors’ defence, but his cutback had too much power on it for Gakpo to tap home.

Substitutes

Diaz – 5

Couldn’t really get into the game as it was very scrappy by that point. Won a free kick or two. Tried shielding a ball out for a throw on the left wing but it was hooked forward for a dangerous counter that Van Dijk had to stop.

Henderson – 5

Set up Trent on the edge of the box for a strike but it was deflected behind for a corner. Caught on the ball twice in the space of a few seconds as he wanted too much time to look up before picking a pass. Did well to win a corner in stoppage time.

Tsimikas – N/A

Solid when he came on. Took his time on throws and bought a cheap free kick off Toney to waste a bit of time. Put in a wonderful delivery from one attacking set piece.

Milner – N/A

Gave away a free kick for a trademark crunching tackle on DaSilva. Helped see it over the line.

Jürgen Klopp

The manager opted for four forwards from the off, with Jota joining Gakpo, Salah and Darwin. It was a good start from the Reds, with Salah opening the scoring early on. The Reds saw it out from there, with the manager’s subs helping the team get over the line second half. It’s probably too little too late but Klopp’s men are exerting real pressure on those above them.