37 Shots & Relentless Pressure: Liverpool’s Statement Win | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Win Over Brentford: A Masterclass in Persistence

Liverpool’s victory at Brentford’s home ground will undoubtedly invite mixed opinions. Some Arsenal fans and others argue it was a stroke of luck, but the truth lies in the stats and the undeniable dominance the Reds displayed. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a testament to relentless pressure, precision, and unwavering determination. Let’s dissect why Liverpool not only deserved the three points but also proved their mettle in one of the Premier League’s most challenging environments.

Record-Breaking Shot Count and Wasted Opportunities

According to Opta Analyst, Liverpool registered a staggering 37 shots in the game, the most ever by an away team in Premier League history since records began (2003/04). The numbers don’t lie: this was an onslaught. Time after time, Liverpool tore through Brentford’s defensive lines, creating chances that could have easily turned this game into a rout.

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Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Reds. Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz, typically sharp finishers, were wasteful in front of goal. Whether it was a mistimed shot or the lack of a clinical edge, Liverpool’s front line just couldn’t find the back of the net as often as they should have. Brentford, resilient as ever, blocked a handful of those efforts, while others agonisingly flew wide.

The Tale Told by Expected Goals (xG)

The xG statistics further paint a picture of Liverpool’s dominance. As per The xG Philosophy, Liverpool’s expected goals tally stood at 4.25, a remarkable figure that showcases the quality of opportunities they crafted. In contrast, Brentford’s xG was a modest 0.92, underscoring how effectively Liverpool nullified the home side’s attacking threat. These figures reflect a game where Liverpool could have scored far more and Brentford rarely threatened Alisson’s goal.

It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about control. Brentford’s strength lies in their ability to capitalise on set pieces and counterattacks, yet Liverpool managed to suppress those strengths through diligent defending and intelligent positioning.

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Van Dijk’s Perspective on the Battle

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s defensive colossus, summed up the match perfectly in his post-game comments to the BBC. He stated: “It was a lot of hard work. Brentford away is a difficult place to come. The way they press high, eventually going to a low block and the quality they have on the break. We did well. We kept working, kept trying. Eventually Darwin made a difference with the two goals.”

He added: “We’ve experienced it two games in a row – especially the second half against Forest. It’s also quality from Brentford that they want you to try to force it a bit because they’ll get you on the break. We did well and limited them.” Van Dijk’s words underline Liverpool’s tactical discipline and resilience in breaking down a well-drilled opponent.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Season

This win wasn’t just about three points; it was a statement. Liverpool showcased their ability to grind out results even when things didn’t go entirely to plan. With Darwin Núñez finally finding the net and the midfield contributing with energy and creativity, this performance highlighted the depth and determination within the squad.

Yes, some may point to the wastefulness in front of goal as a lingering concern. However, dominating a tough opponent like Brentford on their turf and creating that many opportunities is no small feat. The players will undoubtedly feel they should have scored more, but the important thing is they found a way to win.

Statement Win

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford wasn’t luck. It was a masterclass in persistence, control, and adaptability. The staggering 37 shots, record-breaking for an away team, and the xG disparity tell the real story. Liverpool deserved this victory and would have been left kicking themselves if they hadn’t come away with all three points. Now, they’ve made a statement to the rest of the league.