Liverpool Leave It Late to Secure First Premier League Win of 2025

Liverpool claimed a dramatic 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with substitute Darwin Núñez proving to be the hero. The Reds left it late, scoring both goals in stoppage time to finally overcome a resilient Brentford defense in what was their first Premier League win of the calendar year.

A Relentless Liverpool Performance

From the opening whistle, Liverpool dominated proceedings, unleashing wave after wave of attacks. Arne Slot’s men attempted an incredible 37 shots, the most by any Premier League team this season, amassing an xG of 3.45. However, Brentford’s organized defense and inspired goalkeeper kept the visitors at bay for 90 minutes.

It looked as though the Bees might secure an unlikely point, but Liverpool’s persistence finally paid off deep into stoppage time. Darwin Núñez, introduced from the bench, broke the deadlock with a well-timed strike, seizing on a loose ball in the box. Moments later, he turned provider, setting up Liverpool’s second goal to seal a hard-fought victory.

Brentford's Struggles at Home

For Brentford, the result marked their third home defeat in four Premier League matches. Despite their defensive resilience, Thomas Frank’s side struggled to generate meaningful attacking opportunities and ultimately paid the price for their lack of ambition. They’ll need to regroup quickly ahead of their upcoming clash with Crystal Palace.

Liverpool's Title Charge Gains Momentum

This victory extends Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points, sending a clear signal to their rivals in the title race. Slot’s side now boasts 50 points from 21 matches this season—a mark they’ve only surpassed in fewer games during their historic 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns.

Darwin Núñez: A Super Sub Extraordinaire

Núñez’s decisive cameo added to his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most impactful substitutes. Since his debut season in 2022-23, only Jhon Durán (8) has scored more goals as a substitute than Núñez (7). He also leads the league in goal involvements as a substitute, with 11 contributions off the bench.

Key Stats

• Liverpool attempted 37 shots, the highest in a Premier League game this season.
• Brentford have failed to win any of their last four home league games (D1 L3) after starting the season with seven wins from their first eight at home.
• Liverpool have now reached 50 points after 21 matches, their third-fastest tally in Premier League history.

Looking Ahead

Brentford will hope to bounce back when they travel to face Crystal Palace next week, while Liverpool’s focus shifts to a busy schedule. The Reds will host Lille in midweek before facing Ipswich Town, aiming to maintain their momentum as the title race heats up.

This dramatic late victory has the hallmarks of a championship-winning side, as Liverpool continue to show their grit and determination. For Brentford, it’s another tough result at home, but they’ll take some pride in the fight they showed against the league leaders.