Liverpool convincingly beat Brentford to reduce the deficit between them and Premier League leaders Manchester City
By Kehinde Okeowo
Liverpool secured a 3-0 win over Brentford despite playing without two of their most prolific strikers, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane who are representing their countries at the African Cup of Nations.
After Thursday’s snore-fest at Anfield against Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp knew a response was essential if he was to avoid another week of questions about the strength in depth of the Liverpool squad.
The encounter’s first goal arrived just a minute before half-time when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross from the corner was headed home by Fabinho to give Liverpool a1-0 lead.
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It became 2-0 when Oxlade-Chamberlain’s diving header met Andy Robertson’s perfect delivery in front of the Kop with 21 minutes remaining. It was the England midfielder’s first league goal in eight months.
He later departed with an ankle injury and his replacement, Takumi Minamino got the hosts’ third goal after Roberto Firmino robbed Christian Norgaard on the edge of his own box and fed Minamino, who converted the pass to make it 3-0 to the Reds.
There might have been more. Diogo Jota struck the post and had another effort well saved, Alexander-Arnold fizzed one just wide and Kaide Gordon, a late substitute, was denied a goal on his Premier League debut by Fernandez.
The win takes Liverpool to within 11 points of Premier League leaders, Manchester City, having played a game less than the defending champion. They next play Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday.
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