Super sub Nunez strikes twice to secure vital win for Liverpool

Liverpool overcame a frustrating evening at the Brentford Community Stadium on 18 January with Darwin Nunez stepping off the bench to deliver a decisive brace, sealing a 2-0 victory and reigniting their title challenge.

Still smarting from midweek frustration at the City Ground, Liverpool made a solitary change, introducing Kostas Tsimikas to counter Brentford's dynamic right flank led by Bryan Mbeumo.

Early on, the hosts threatened through Mads Roerslev's dangerous cross, which Mikkel Damsgaard failed to convert despite an open goal.

Liverpool gradually found their rhythm, with Alexis Mac Allister linking well with Ryan Gravenberch, whose long-range strike forced Mark Flekken into action.

Despite a string of corners—seven in the first 30 minutes—the visitors struggled to capitalise, a recurring issue this season.

As the half progressed, Dominik Szoboszlai came closest to breaking the deadlock. His fierce effort rattled the crossbar, and moments later, Cody Gakpo spurned a golden opportunity after leading a swift counterattack.

Liverpool resumed with intent, Szoboszlai testing Brentford's resilience again as his curling effort was heroically headed clear by Sepp van den Berg.

The visitors dominated possession and registered 24 shots in the first hour, albeit with only five on target, accumulating an xG of 1.91 compared to Brentford's 0.43.

Manager Arne Slot sought a breakthrough, reintroducing Andy Robertson and deploying Nunez in place of an ineffective Luis Diaz, whose struggles as a makeshift No. 9 continued.

Substitutions later brought Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa into the fray as Liverpool pushed for a breakthrough.

Nunez ultimately proved the match-winner. The Uruguayan struck first with a close-range finish from Trent Alexander-Arnold's precise cutback and then secured the win with a thunderous strike minutes later.