Liverpool probably felt the footballing gods owed them one after Ryan Gravernberch’s soft red against City. The cosmic forces heeded their call, as Yarmolyuk’s headbutt motion completely altered the fabric of the game at Brentford.
The footballing gods actually overdelivered, as Janelt was given his marching orders for a 2nd bookable offence in the 92nd minute. The Bees were at their pugnacious best for most of the first half, going ahead through Lewis-Potter while frustrating the likes of Wirtz and Barcola. But Yarmolyuk’s ill-advised moment of petulance gave the Reds the impetus to claw things back in the 2nd stanza. And they did, with goals from Munoz and Isak helping the Reds to arguably their most important win of the season (not many sides are going to be coming away with three points from the Gtech). Anyway, here are my Liverpool player ratings.
GK: Allison- 6/10
Allison really had very little to do. Flapped at a few crosses but could do nothing about Lewis-Potter’s opener (Brentford would only have two shots on target in the entire match). His distribution was solid throughout.
RB: Ronald Araujo- 5/10
Araujo didn’t offer much front-foot impetus in the first stanza and was replaced by Frimpong at halftime. He played no part in Lewis-Potter’s goal but largely operated on the fringes of the match.
CB: Virgil van Djik- 8/10
Van Djik rolled back the years on Saturday, producing a defensive masterclass against Brentford’s notorious physicality. The Dutchman anchored Liverpool’s stalwart defensive showing, dominating the aerial duels in a way that harkened back to the prime-Klopp era.
CB: Jeremy Jacquet- 8/10
One of the low-key signings of the season, Frenchman Jeremy Jacquet looked completely at ease at the Gtech. Covered the ground brilliantly, making several great interceptions and tackles. He also stepped forward in a way that reminded me of a young Joel Matip. He was a key protagonist in the match’s defining moment, compelling Yehor Yarmoliuk into a silly headbutting action on the stroke of halftime.
LB: Milos Kerkez- 5/10
That was far from Kerkez’s worst outing in a Liverpool shirt. He looked decent defensively, perhaps benefitting from compatriot Szoboszlai’s presence in the opening salvos of the match. But he was woeful going forward. With Araujo starting at right full-back, it was up to Kerkez to provide a bit of joie de vivre going forward. He created just one chance and failed to complete his only attempted cross. Barcola and Wirtz look as if they have been stung too many times by Kerkez, often opting to ignore him when he dared to make an overlapping run.
CM: Dominic Szoboszlai- 5/10
Was Iraola guilty of rushing inspirational Szoboszlai back into the starting lineup? He knew the physical challenge that awaited and was obviously hoping the experienced Hungarian could shake off any lingering hamstring/thigh issues. But he never looked himself from minute one, lacking the dynamism that characterizes his best work. Tweaked his thigh and had to come off after 32 minutes.
CM: Alexis McAllister- 8.5/10
The best player on the park. Alexis McAllister was at his box-to-box best at the Gtech, touching the ball more than anyone while making the most accurate passes in the match. He was the one guy on the Liverpool side who seemed to have as much time when the Bees has eleven men as when they had ten (or nine, for that matter). It was his delivery that led to Isak’s winner.
AM: Florian Wirtz- 7/10
The much-maligned German playmaker came into his own in the 2nd half, benefitting from the added space to orchestrate Liverpool’s sterling comeback. He set up Munoz’s goal and would have had a few more assists had Liverpool’s strikers been a bit more clinical. More cynical Liverpool fans will point to the fact that he only burst into life when Brentford had gone down to ten men. Still, it was a improved outing.
LW: Bradley Barcola- 5/10
Barcola unfortunately reverted to Premier League form after that breakthrough showing at LASK. The former PSG star should have broken the deadlock after being sent through 1-on-1 in the first 20 minutes. Cleverly knocked the ball down for Isak’s winner but also undid a few clear breakaway opportunities. Unconvincing.
RW: Victor Munoz- 8/10
There’s nothing that the Anfield faithful love more than youthful endeavour. And they are currently getting that in spades with Victor Munoz. His lung-busting running has quickly made him a cult-hero among the Reds supporters. Jarred his knee in the first half but still had one great run. Showed his tactical flexibility in the 2nd stanza, moving into the right-back role after Frimpong’s injury. He still showed ambition in that role, storming forward before cutting back onto his left foot and cooly slotting home the equalizer.
STR: Alexander Isak- 6/10
Isak looked like a man still nursing himself back to full fitness. He didn’t seem to relish the intense physicality of the match. But the Swede was there where it mattered most, reacting quickest to Barcola’s intuitive knock-down to lash home the winner. He has certainly rediscovered his goal-scoring touch.
Subs
Trey Nyoni (32’ for Szoboszlai)- 6/10
Szoboszlai’s replacement was caught a bit cold by Lewis-Potter’s opener, showing a lack of awareness for what was on his shoulder. But he grew into the game after the red card, making some key interceptions and passes.
Jeremie Frimpong (46’ for Araujo)- n/a
Lasted less than seven minutes before being withdrawn due to injury.
Rio Ngumoha (52’ for Frimpong)- 7/10
Came into a situation that perfectly suited his high-octane playing style. He tired ten-man Brentford out with his effervescent energy.
Joe Gomes (79’ for Munoz)- 5/10
It’s easy to forget that Gomes is still a Liverpool player. Helped the Reds see the game out.
Lewis Koumas (79’ for Isak)- 5/10
Should have scored in the dying stages of the match.
