Liverpool clinched a commanding 3-0 victory over Brentford at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday, heading into the November international break with a resounding win.
The match showcased the Reds’ dominance on both ends of the pitch, generating excitement among fans and pundits alike.
Securing all three points, Liverpool owed their success to a brace from the prolific Mohamed Salah, who netted on either side of the half-time interval, complemented by a spectacular strike from Diogo Jota.
Liverpool have now triumphed in all nine of their home fixtures this season across various competitions, propelling them to the second spot in the league standings.
In this insightful analysis, Keifer MacDonald (@KeiferMacD) from Liverpool Echo dissects Liverpool’s performance and delves into the stellar form of defensive duo Kostas Tsimikas and Virgil van Dijk.
What a way to head into the November international break. Liverpool moved up to second in the Premier League. Your thoughts on the game?
MacDonald: It was a brilliant way for Liverpool to head into the international break with a 3-0 victory over Brentford at Anfield. After, arguably their first blip in well over six months, it was vital that the Reds quickly put the disappointment of recent trips to Luton Town and Toulouse out of their mind. For Liverpool, for what feels like the first time in a long time, the international break has come at a good time with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate the latest members of Jürgen Klopp’s squad to join an ever-growing queue for the treatment room. Two goals from Mohamed Salah made the contest look straightforward than it actually was, especially after a cagey first half at Anfield. But with Manchester City dropping points in the late kick-off on Sunday, Klopp and Liverpool won’t dwell too much on Sunday’s performance. All eyes now turn to that trip to the Etihad in two weeks’ time
Fair play to Kostas Tsimikas after a tough few weeks but he was brilliant against the Bees and ended the game with two assists.
MacDonald: Kostas Tsimikas absolutely needed that, didn’t he? It’s fair to say the Greek has struggled to convince in the early weeks deputising for Andy Robertson, who is set to be sidelined until January at the earlier. Grabbing two assists for Mohamed Salah, It was no surprise to see Tsimikas contribute on an attacking front. However, it will be at the Etihad later this month where we will learn just whether or not he is trusted by Jürgen Klopp, with Joe Gomez also vying for a start at full-back. This, though, was a good afternoon for Tsimikas after a difficult seven days where he was snubbed at Luton and clearly overwhelmed in Toulouse
Virgil van Dijk seems like a man on a mission this season. He is yet to be dribbled past in the league. Sum up his overall performance so far.
MacDonald: It was another commanding afternoon for Virgil van Dijk at the heart of a Liverpool defence which has conceded a Premier League low of ten goals in 12 games this season. The Dutchman, now in possession of the Anfield armband, has cut a reinvigorated figure this campaign, underlined by the ease in which he swatted aside the usually tricky Bryan Mbeumo. If Van Dijk is able to maintain his current form, who knows what joys the month of May will bring to Anfield.
The Reds face Manchester City next at Etihad. Any changes you would love Klopp to make as he sets sights on the league title?
MacDonald: I think it’s far too early to say what changes Klopp could make at the Etihad later this month, though I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Liverpool mask their lack of defensive nous in midfield by lining up in a 4-2-3-1…
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