Arne Slot loved a successful Premier League begin at Anfield as targets from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah noticed Liverpool cruise to a simple victory over Brentford.
The Dutchman’s Liverpool report now reads two wins from two video games following final weekend’s 2-0 triumph at Ipswich City and, though his facet hardly ever reached their free-flowing greatest in opposition to the Bees, they at all times had sufficient in hand to hitch Manchester Metropolis, Brighton and Arsenal in holding a 100 per cent report after two video games.
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Arne Slot’s sturdy begin continues as @LFC put in a powerful efficiency at Anfield 🔴#TheKickOff | #LIVEBRE pic.twitter.com/R0JOHW4MKP
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Brentford, who have been once more with out striker Ivan Toney as he mulls over a transfer to Saudi Arabia, created little from open play however have been a relentless risk at set-pieces.
Diaz handed Liverpool an exhilarating opener after 13 minutes, ending a lightning break, and Salah notched his second of the season with 20 minutes to go to finish Brentford’s problem.
Slot’s Liverpool have been anticipated to focus extra on retaining possession and play with larger management than they did beneath his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
But, their opening purpose was straight out of the Klopp playbook. It stemmed from a Brentford nook which Liverpool cleared so far as Jota, who launched a blistering counter assault with a darting run and a splendidly timed by ball for Diaz. The Colombia winger nonetheless had lots to do however he made the end look simple, powering a left-footed end excessive previous Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
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Liverpool have been in whole command and solely a sensible save from Flekken denied Andy Robertson a second purpose six minutes later.
Brentford progressively grew into the sport as Liverpool’s dominance waned, they usually should have equalised simply after the half-hour mark. Bryan Mbeumo whipped in a free-kick from the left and Christian Norgaard by some means did not make correct contact on his header from six yards out with the ball drifting broad.
The sport had began to develop into scrappy because the half developed however either side had probabilities earlier than the interval – Trent Alexander-Arnold seeing a shot deflected over by Nathan Collins whereas Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was required to repel a shot from the energetic Keane Lewis-Potter.
If Brentford have been to get again into it, it appeared as if set-pieces could be their almost definitely supply of an equaliser.
They usually practically utilised that route 10 minutes into the second half, a nook routine ending with a Mathias Jensen cross that Collins met with a bullet header that flew straight at Alisson.
Republic of Eire centre-half Collins was having a busy afternoon and he excelled himself twice within the house of eight second-half minutes with sensible blocks to disclaim Jota with the Portugal worldwide seemingly poised to double Liverpool’s benefit.
The second purpose did arrive, nevertheless, after 70 minutes.
Diaz labored house in midfield and picked out a stunning cross for Salah and the Egypt star made no mistake by clipping his end over the advancing Flekken.
Substitute Cody Gakpo hit the bar as Liverpool went looking for a 3rd however, by then, the house facet had carried out sufficient to see Slot off to the proper begin.