2 Struggle as Barcola Shines

Liverpool came from behind to beat nine-man Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, giving new boss Andoni Iraola a much-needed Premier League victory.

After a cagey opening period, Bradley Barcola spurned a huge opportunity to give the Reds the lead, clipping the ball well wide when one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher. Brentford responded shortly after by creating their own golden chance, with Jeremy Jacquet’s exquisite recovery tackle denying Igor Thiago a certain goal at the back post.

Liverpool were then controversially denied a penalty when John Brooks pointed to the spot after Dango Ouattara’s tackle on Alexis Mac Allister inside Brentford’s box. Replays showed that the Bees winger won the ball, and VAR subsequently intervened.

Minutes after this non-penalty call, Keith Andrews’ side took the lead in spectacular fashion. Igor Thiago’s cross was expertly headed home by Keane Lewis-Potter, giving a turgid Liverpool team a mountain to climb.

However, Iraola’s outfit were handed a lifeline when Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off for headbutting Jacquet on the stroke of half-time.

Despite having a man advantage, the Merseysiders found it difficult to break down Brentford’s compact defensive block in the second half. Alexis Mac Allister’s stinging long shot and Virgil Van Dijk’s fierce volley saw them come close before the hour mark, but these were rare threatening efforts from the away side.

That was until Victor Munoz neatly slotted beyond Kelleher after being played in by Florian Wirtz. Eight minutes later, Liverpool were ahead courtesy of Alexander Isak’s well-taken goal, created by Barcola’s neat header.

Brentford were reduced to nine-men when Vitaly Janelt was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Rio Ngumoha on the edge of the box, condemning Andrews and his players to a miserable end.

Centre-Backs Impress For Liverpool

Alisson Becker – B-

Had very little chance on Lewis-Potter’s opening goal, but was typically commanding when coming for crosses, asserting authority over his penalty area. Liverpool’s second-half dominance meant the Brazilian was largely left as a bystander.

Ronald Araujo – C+

Unsurprisingly offered little going forward, but dealt well with Jaidon Anthony’s threat down his side. Hooked at half-time in favour of the more attacking Jeremie Frimpong.

Jeremy Jacquet – B+

Made a superb defensive intervention to deny Thiago in the first half, and must be given credit for winding Yarmoliuk up enough to provoke the Ukrainian’s headbutt.

Virgil van Dijk – A-

An imperious display from the Dutchman, whose declining physical attributes haven’t stopped him from reading the game exceptionally.

Milos Kerkez – D-

Looked to provide overlapping runs but offered very little threat when he did. Allowed Thiago the space to cross the ball for Lewis-Potter’s opener.

Overall, Iraola will be very disappointed with his continued inability to get more out of a player who shone under him at Bournemouth.

Iraola Needs More From His Midfield

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Dominik Szoboszlai – C

Returned to the fold after a short spell out, and lasted just 32 minutes before being replaced by Trey Nyoni after sustaining another setback.

Struggled to influence the game before being forced off, possibly suggesting he was rushed back by Iraola.

Alexis Mac Allister – C

Very laboured showing in possession, and wasted a handful of good attacks by taking wayward long-shots.

Victor Munoz – B-

Typically busy and industrious, but he made little tangible impact on the game in the final third until his well-taken goal.

Florian Wirtz – B-

Was constantly available to receive passes in advanced areas, but struggled to make much of the dangerous positions he got into, barring his neat assist for Munoz. The type of performance Liverpool supporters have come to expect from the German.

Bradley Barcola – B+

While he may have been wasteful with some of his opportunities, he was by far Liverpool’s biggest threat with his movement and pace causing the Brentford backline problems throughout.

His neat header back to Isak in the lead-up to Liverpool’s second goal was the type of decisive moment he was bought for.

Alexander Isak – B+

Non-existent in the first half, not showing for the ball or involving himself in intricate build-up in and around the box.

However, as good strikers do, he came alive when it mattered inside Brentford’s box, scoring the goal that gave Liverpool the lead.

SUBSTITUTES

Trey Nyoni – C

Showed his inexperience with some loose early touches, but grew into the game as it went on.

Jeremie Frimpong – N/A

Was brought on to provide offensive threat at half-time, but sustained an injury after just seven minutes and was replaced by Rio Ngumoha.

Rio Ngumoha – B+

Rotated with Munoz between right-back and right-wing, and ultimately made a positive impact on Liverpool’s attack, which was stale prior to his introduction.

Joe Gomez – N/A

Not on long enough to grade.

Lewis Koumas – N/A

Not on long enough to grade.