Liverpool’s win over Brentford was marred by an injury blow.
Liverpool vs Brentford
Liverpool faced off with Brentford in one of two 2 pm Premier League clashes on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side headed into the game knowing that they need to pick up three points on the day to ensure they keep some sort of foothold in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool began Sunday 14 points adrift on league leaders Manchester City, but knew they would move to within eight points if they beat Brentford and then win their game in hand.
And, so far, the Merseysiders have managed at least 50 per cent of that, picking up a key win over Brentford.
Liverpool started slowly and it looked as though they may struggle to earn the win.
However, Fabinho would head home from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross after 44 minutes.
42 – Since the start of the 2018-19 season, only Thomas Müller (64) and Lionel Messi (47) have provided more assists in Europe’s big-five leagues than Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold (42). Platter. pic.twitter.com/ntDC6hI6YJ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 16, 2022
The Reds then came out and dominated for much of the second 45. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would double the home outfit’s lead with 69 minutes gone, whilst Takumi Minamino made sure of all three points with a goal after 77 minutes.
Oxlade-Chamberlain injured
It was not all positive for Liverpool on the day, however, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who can operate as a central midfielder or as a winger, forced off shortly after scoring his goal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain clearly in discomfort and tells the physio he can’t continue. Shame for him. Minamino replaces him.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) January 16, 2022
This is an especially big blow for Liverpool due to Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita being at the AFCON, whilst Harvey Elliott and Thiago are still sidelined.
This leaves Liverpool with just three senior attackers available right now, whilst Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Curtis Jones – as well as a 36-year-old James Milner – are Liverpool’s only senior midfield options.