Liverpool also dominated the second game in this year’s Premier League, defeating Brentford 2-0 at their stadium. New Reds coach Arne Slot enjoyed a successful debut at Anfield and led his charges to a sixth successive home win over the Bees with a clean sheet.
The Dutchman’s win at Ipswich made him the first Liverpool manager since 1991 to take control of his first competitive game in charge of the Reds, and he couldn’t have got off to a better start on his home debut. Already in the 13th minute, the over-ambitious approach of the guests was punished by Luis Díaz, who took advantage of Diogo Jota’s pass after the break situation. Although the home team performed several impressive actions during the first half, they did not increase the difference in the score again. Alisson, on the other hand, remained untested except for one routine intervention.
Almost immediately after the change of sides, Liverpool could have doubled their lead. Jota’s misplaced scissors went to Andy Robertson’s head and he forced Mark Flekken into a good save with his attempt. And when Nathan Collins finished promptly at the opposite end of the field, Alisson also had to demonstrate his reflexes properly for the first time. However, the Brentford stopper had to show his defensive skills shortly after as he blocked Jota’s attempt at the net. Although the guests managed to keep the narrowest difference in the score for a long time, they capitulated for the second time about 20 minutes before the end. Díaz found Mohamed Salah and he fired past Flekken at the back post.
Then Cody Gakpo also got on the scene and immediately almost added Liverpool’s third goal, but his shot was stopped by the crossbar. However, this did not have to make the home team sad, as they maintained the lead without any problem and added the 23rd August league match without defeat out of the last 24. On the other hand, Brentford failed to follow up on the triumph from the opening match against Crystal Palace and once again failed to start the season with two wins. The last time they managed this was in the third highest competition in 2006.
