Darwin Núñez emerged as the unlikely hero for Liverpool, coming off the bench to score two last-gasp goals and secure a vital 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. The dramatic win reignited the Reds’ Premier League title hopes after a recent wobble had allowed rivals to close the gap.
Despite dominating the match with a staggering 37 shots, including 19 in the first half alone, Liverpool looked set to be frustrated as chance after chance went begging. The front three of Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah threatened constantly but failed to find the breakthrough against a resilient Brentford rearguard.
With Diogo Jota sidelined through injury, Uruguay international Núñez was overlooked for a starting berth by manager Arne Slot. But the 25-year-old striker made the most of his opportunity after coming on as a late substitute, popping up with two crucial goals in stoppage time.
Super Sub Núñez Delivers When It Matters
Eight of Núñez’s 24 Premier League strikes have now come after the 75th minute, underlining his reputation as an impact substitute. Since arriving in England in 2022, no player has been directly involved in more goals off the bench than Núñez (11 – seven goals, four assists).
“He scores goals,” Slot said of Núñez post-match. “He works very hard for the team. He assists, but he’s in competition with a lot of good players. So that’s why he’s not every single game on the pitch. But I’m very happy with him, not only because he scored today two goals, that of course helps. But I’m very happy with the other performances he put in for us as well.”
Liverpool’s Creative Spark
While Núñez will rightly grab the headlines, Liverpool’s attacking trio of Gakpo, Díaz and Salah were a constant menace throughout. Salah in particular stood out, creating five chances including a gilt-edged opportunity that Gakpo somehow squandered.
At the other end, goalkeeper Alisson was called into action on several occasions, making seven saves to keep Brentford at bay as the hosts threatened on the counter-attack through the dangerous Bryan Mbeumo.
Frank Tactics Almost Pay Off
Bees manager Thomas Frank had clearly set his team up to absorb Liverpool’s pressure and strike on the break, with Mbeumo and strike partner Yoane Wissa poised to exploit the space left by the Reds’ attacking full-backs. The game-plan so nearly worked, with Brentford registering 11 shots of their own.
Ultimately though, it was Núñez who had the final say, keeping his composure to guide home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s drilled cross in the 91st minute before smashing in a second goal from a tight angle deep into added time. The double salvo sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Liverpool fans.
Title Race Back On
The hard-fought win moves Liverpool back within striking distance at the top of the table after points dropped in recent weeks had seen their lead cut to just two points. With clashes against fellow contenders Manchester City and Arsenal still to come, Slot’s men have their title destiny firmly in their own hands.
For now, Núñez will savor his match-winning contribution and the chance to silence some of his critics. If the mercurial forward can deliver more pivotal goals during the run-in, Liverpool may yet be crowned champions for the third time in five seasons.
