Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, with goals from Víctor Muñoz and Alexander Isak overturning Keane Lewis-Potter’s first-half strike. The win marked Liverpool’s third away victory of the Premier League season.
Brentford’s forward Igor Thiago, who netted 22 league goals last season, is experiencing a challenging start to the current campaign. He has scored twice in nine appearances across all competitions and struggled to make a significant impact against Liverpool’s defense. Thiago’s cross set up Lewis-Potter to give Brentford an early lead in the 44th minute, but he found it difficult to get past Liverpool’s center backs, particularly Virgil van Dijk. Additionally, Thiago received his fourth yellow card of the season during the match, bringing him one booking away from a suspension. With Callum Wilson waiting as a potential replacement, the Brentford forward’s role may come under scrutiny moving forward.
Liverpool’s defensive resilience was aided by newcomer Jérémy Jacquet, whose performance was notable in several aspects. The French center back was involved in a challenge that led to Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk being sent off, a pivotal moment in the game. Jacquet also excelled in his defensive duties, leading the team in tackles with five and duels won with eleven. The 21-year-old joined Liverpool from Rennes in July for an initial fee of £55 million and has drawn comparisons to William Saliba’s swift rise from Saint-Étienne to Arsenal. His strong displays earned him a debut for the French national team last month in a 1-0 victory over Belgium.
On the attacking front, Víctor Muñoz continued to establish himself as a key player for Liverpool, contributing a crucial goal after coming into the team due to injury. The winger, who was initially linked with Newcastle United in a proposed £29 million move, was signed by Liverpool in a last-minute intervention. Liverpool’s willingness to bid £34 million reflected Muñoz’s all-around impact at Osasuna, where he scored six goals and provided two assists last season while recovering possession 22 times in the final third. Muñoz’s pace, direct running, and composure in front of goal highlighted his growing importance to Liverpool’s offensive setup.
The result leaves Brentford frustrated after drawing one point from winning positions 11 times this season, a pattern that has limited their progress. Former player Keith Andrews suggested that Thiago’s more intensive marking this season partly explains the forward’s dip in form. Liverpool’s ability to respond and secure the win demonstrated their growing cohesion under new signings and highlighted areas Brentford will need to address as the season progresses.