Khan: “He took the game by the proverbial scruff of the neck and said no way are we dropping points in this” | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Victory Over Brentford: Nunez, Trent and a Title Defining Moment?

Liverpool’s recent 4-1 win over Brentford was more than just three points—it felt like a season-defining moment. On the Daily Red Podcast for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Grizz Khan dissected the performance, focusing on key players like Darwin Núñez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Liverpool’s centre-back pairing. The discussion was filled with direct and candid analysis, with Grizz Khan offering strong opinions on Liverpool’s attacking play, defensive resilience, and Arne Slot’s tactical choices.

Darwin Núñez: Redemption and Responsibility

Darwin Núñez’s two goals against Brentford reignited the debate over his effectiveness in Liverpool’s front line. Grizz Khan was quick to acknowledge both the justified criticism and the undeniable impact of the Uruguayan forward:

“The criticism has been warranted… but he came up with a couple of answers big time yesterday, didn’t he?”

Núñez has often been labelled an inconsistent finisher, but his composure in front of goal against Brentford was a stark contrast to previous performances. As Grizz noted, the pressure remains on him to deliver consistently:

“It’s up to Núñez to continue to score goals, to be part of the system that Slot trusts him in and gives him more game time.”

Despite his inconsistency, Grizz admitted to a particular joy when Núñez finds the net, even more so than when Mohamed Salah scores:

“I cheered more for Núñez’s goal than a Salah goal. Make that make sense!”

His cult-hero status at Liverpool continues to grow, but as Grizz pointed out, his overall impact must improve to justify his record transfer fee.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Performance of Authority

Trent Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in Liverpool’s victory, not just for his assist but for his overall command in the closing stages of the match. Having been heavily criticised after Liverpool’s FA Cup exit to Manchester United, Trent responded with a display of leadership and intensity that left Grizz in awe:

Carabao Cup Semi-Finals First Leg Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool makes a break with the ball during the Carabao Cup Semi-Finals First Leg Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, United Kingdom, 8th January 2025 Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images Copyright: xMarkxCosgrove/NewsxImagesx

“He took the game by the proverbial scruff of the neck and said no way are we dropping points in this. He took shots, he drove into midfield, he covered ground, he sprinted when he lost the ball.”

His assist for Núñez’s second goal showcased his vision and technical precision:

“If people haven’t checked out my post-match reaction, go check it out. I couldn’t stop talking about his last 20 minutes!”

Liverpool’s Defensive Wall: Van Dijk and Konaté

The defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté has been crucial to Liverpool’s title challenge, and Grizz made it clear that keeping them fit could be the key to lifting the Premier League trophy:

“There’s no doubt in my mind that they are by far the best two centre-backs in world football as a partnership.”

However, Grizz expressed concerns over Konaté’s workload and called on Arne Slot to rest him for the upcoming games:

“Please rest him! Don’t play him against Lille. You can tell he’s 70% fit… a fit Konaté with a fit Van Dijk? I don’t think anyone pips us to this league title.”

Liverpool’s ability to maintain their defensive solidity will be vital in the final stretch of the season.

Is This Liverpool’s Title-Defining Moment?

Reflecting on the significance of the win over Brentford, Dave Davis posed the question:

“Does this one feel like a title-defining moment to you?”

Grizz was unequivocal in his response:

“For me, this was the moment.”

He pointed to past Liverpool seasons where key wins propelled the team towards silverware—whether it was Sadio Mané’s last-minute header against Aston Villa or Mohamed Salah’s breakaway goal against Manchester United. This Brentford game had the same feel, the same sense of a crucial milestone in Liverpool’s title challenge.

With a six-point lead at the top of the table and a game in hand, Liverpool have positioned themselves as strong contenders. However, as Grizz pointed out, consistency will be key:

“It’s great, he’s brilliant, he deserves all the praise… but now he’s got to back it up. He’s got to do it again.”

Liverpool fans will be hoping that this win against Brentford is not just another great result, but a sign of the momentum needed to go all the way.