On the evening of February 17, Beijing time, the 25th round of the Premier League opened, and the "leader" Liverpool defeated the "Little Bees" Brentford 4-1 away, avenging the 1-3 defeat to the opponent last season.
"Little Bees" Brentford was very good at "stinging" strong teams in the Premier League last season, not only winning at home against Liverpool, but also beating Manchester United 4-0 at home, and even became the only team to beat the "treble" Manchester City home and away. Brentford's form has slipped this season, while Liverpool's record has far surpassed last season's.
Liverpool travelled to London's Brentford Community Stadium this time, and coach Jurgen Klopp fielded a three-man front three of Nunez, Jota and Dias, and Salah, the leading scorer who returned from injury, sat on the bench. Liverpool's main goalkeeper Alisson was injured in pre-match training and his starting place was replaced by Kelleher Kelleher. In the 35th minute, Liverpool defended the opponent's free kick and then played a fast attack, Jota's header was crossed, and Nunez broke the deadlock on the field with a dashing shot.
Liverpool suffered two injuries in the first half, with midfielder Jones replaced by Hrafenberg in the 34th minute and Jota replaced by Salah in the 44th. Mohamed Salah last featured for Liverpool in a 4-2 win over Newcastle on 2 January before being transferred to the Africa Cup of Nations, where he has been recovering from injury since returning from injury, missing a total of eight games in Liverpool's four Premier League games, two FA Cups and two League Cups.
At the start of the second half, Jurgen Klopp made a substitution, bringing on Dutch striker Gakpo for goal-scorer Nunez. In the 55th minute, Hrafenberg instigated an attack after a steal, Salah sent a wonderful pass from the right, and McAllister extended the score for Liverpool. In the 68th minute, Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher kicked off with a big kick, Gakpo headed the ball, and Salah got rid of central defender Collins and fired a low shot to seal the win for Liverpool.
Liverpool's defence made a mistake in the 74th minute when left wing-back Sergio Reguilon had a shot saved by Kelleher and centre-forward Toney pulled one back for the home side. Liverpool regained their three-goal lead in the 86th minute when Gomes' long pass caused a clearance error, Dias provided the assist and Gakpo knocked out the fingers of Dutch team-mate Flecon.
Liverpool won 11, drew seven and lost seven in 25 Premier League games last season, with only 40 points and a goal difference of just 12. After 25 league games this season, Liverpool has grabbed 57 points with 17 wins, 6 draws and 2 losses, 17 more points than the same period last season, and now has a goal difference of 35. The addition of Szobosloy, McAllister, Hrafenberg and Endo to this season has significantly expanded Liverpool's strength and enabled the team to complete the midfield renewal.
Text reporter Liu Yi.