Liverpool registered an emphatic 3-0 victory against Brentford on the Sunday PL clash and summer signing Wataru Endo finally impressed with his performance and detailed player ratings.
The Reds are deservedly back in the title challenge as they won 3-0 against the Bees at Anfield.
With this victory, the club is standing 2nd in the PL table after 12 games with 27 points. The Merseysiders are 1 point short of the 1st placed Manchester City.
The team started the match with their traditional possessional dominance combined with their trademark transitional attacking prowess. The first goal came from Mohamed Salah, as always, in the 39th minute.
Salah was again on the score sheet in the 62nd minute as he headed the ball into the goal from Kostas Tsimikas’ cross. And the final nail in the Brentford coffin was put by Diogo Jota who smashed the ball into the back of the net in the 74th minute from a shot taken right from the edge of the box.
Even though the visitors showed short spurts of brilliance and perseverance, the Anfield giants were clearly better.
Liverpool player ratings vs Brentford
Alisson Becker [7/10]: The trusted goalkeeper, as always, delivered a world-class performance. Even though the Bees were not able to do any damage, on the few occasions where they got the chance to do so, Alisson emerged victorious, keeping a clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold [6/10]: The vice-captain started at the right-back position despite rumours of him being moved upfield by Jurgen Klopp. He delivered many dangerous balls into the box but was defensively exploited a few times.
Joel Matip [6/10]: The experienced defender replaced injured Ibrahima Konate and accompanied Virgil Van Dijk well. Although he was sketchy in some parts, he did enough to stop the Bees attack.
Virgil van Dijk [7/10]: A true captain’s performance from the Rolls-Royce defender. He led the team from the back, playing some beautiful upfield long balls and did all the necessary work to stop Brentford attackers.
Kostas Tsimikas [8/10]: The Greek Scouser delivered a great performance as he assisted the second goal of Salah as well as Jota’s only goal. Today he showed Jurgen Klopp why he is the best subsidiary of Andy Robertson.
Wataru Endo shines
Wataru Endo [7/10]: A commendable display from the Japanese skipper after the disastrous night against Toulouse. This is one of his best performances since joining the Reds in August and he must be looking forward to delivering more of such.
Dominik Szoboszlai [6/10]: A rather quiet game for the sensational Merseyside midfielder as he was constrained with defensive duties alongside Wataru Endo. He watched out the game from far away while others were enjoying themselves on the attack.
Cody Gakpo [7/10]: Although the Dutchman started in the midfield three of Klopp’s traditional 4-3-3, he played most of the in the hole or no. 10 position providing the team another attacking option. And he did not disappoint in that role, being a constant threat to the Bees goal.
Mohamed Salah [7/10]: The Egyptian King scored a brace effortlessly as he climbed up to 12 goals mark this season. Salah is aging like a fine wine as he continues to produce phenomenal performances along with his increasing experience.
Darwin Nunez [7/10]: Bad luck continues to follow the Uruguayan as he was again unable to register his name on the score-sheet. Although he netted the ball twice, VAR ruled out both of the goals for offside. However, he consistently threatened the Brentford defense.
Diogo Jota [6/10]: Even though the Portuguese forward scored the final goal, he was mostly invisible throughout the match and did not make much of an impact except for the goal.
Subs:
Harvey Elliott [6/10]: The young midfielder did well coming off the bench on the final minutes of the game. His long-distance shot put Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken on test as he fully stretched to save the shot.
Luis Diaz: N/A.
Jarell Quansah: N/A.
James McConnell: N/A.
