Three things Jurgen Klopp got right as Liverpool keep top four hopes alive
Mohammed Salah's first half strike against Brentford saw Liverpool claim a 1-0 win against Brentford as Jurgen Klopp's side kept their top four Champions League hopes alive.
Latching onto the end of a Fabinho ball into the box, Virgil van Dijk's header fell into the path of the oncoming Egyptian, who bundled the ball home past David Raya.
While Brentford did threaten throughout the contest, they were ultimately unable to find a way past Alisson.
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And after picking up their sixth win on the bounce in the Premier League, the Reds have now moved to just a point behind fourth place Manchester United.
Here are three things Klopp got right as the Reds continued their late Champions League push…
Liverpool took the lead early on against Brentford thanks to Mo Salah's 100th goal at Anfield.
Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, a lofted ball to the back post from Fabinho saw Virgil van Dijk's header fall straight into the path of Salah, who bundled home the ball past Brentford keeper David Raya.
It was the result of consistent pressure from Klopp's side in the opening exchanges, which saw Liverpool bombard Brentford's box with crosses.
Getting the early goal was crucial, especially given the chances they would go on to miss. Brentford threatened in the second half, but were ultimately couldn't convert any of their chances. Bryan Mbeumo did find the back of the net but he was offside in the build-up.
Liverpool's fast start set them on their way to claim their sixth win on the bounce, heaping pressure onto Manchester United and Newcastle United.
While he might be starting Liverpool's games at the moment at right-back, there's no doubt that Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently enjoying his time playing as a makeshift midfielder for the Reds.
In possession, the 24-year-old, who has been maligned this term for his defending, is stepping into midfield, allowing him to see more of the ball.
Against Brentford, the full-back produced some exquisite passes that showed of his superb range.
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Had it not been for a miss from striker Darwin Nunez, Alexander-Arnold would have recorded another assist, which would have been his seventh in eight games.
And again, had it not been for the heroics of Bees keeper David Raya, the defender might have found the back of the net too in the second half.
Alexander-Arnold is undoubtedly Liverpool's best passer and it comes as no surprise that they look more dangerous when he is on the ball and given time to operate.
Liverpool's win over Brentford moved them to just a point behind Manchester United in the Premier League table.
Of course, there's no guarantee that Liverpool will make the top four but by winning their sixth game on the spin, the Reds have given themselves a chance, something which would have seemed laughable weeks ago.
With Arsenal and Manchester City uncatchable, Newcastle United and Manchester United sit above the Reds with two games in hand on Klopp and co.
By continuing their recent fine form, Liverpool are at least making sure the two sides above them are on their toes. Should either of them slip up, which could happen given Newcastle still have to play Arsenal and Brighton, Liverpool could pounce.
While they do have to face Aston Villa in their penultimate Premier League fixture, that clash is sandwiched between games against relegation threatened Leicester City and Southampton.
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