Brentford 1 – 2 Liverpool – Premier League Player Ratings
The Reds returned to the Premier League, travelling to Brentford, the remarkable overachievers in the English top tier.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was helpless to stop the Thiago header as the away side fell behind late in the first half. He was concentrated and confident till the close to push his team over the line.
Ronald Araújo – 6.0
The Brazilian international was a steady influence, diligently fulfilling his defensive duties. Was the obvious choice to depart for a more attacking option.
Subbed – 45 mins
Milos Kerkez – 6.0
The Hungarian international was a little peripheral through the first half as he struggled to make a strong impact. Looked better with less defensive responsibility after the break. Wasteful at times with his delivery.
Jérémy Jacquet – 9.0
The France under-21 international was strong and resolute against a physical attack, as he stood up to the battle at hand. A very fine second half apart from one moment of uncharacteristic play.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was vocal and authority-driven as he looked to keep a dangerous and physical opponent at bay.
Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0
The Argentina international was a controlling influence as he looked to get a hold of the team against 11 men and then again against 10. Started to combine perfectly with Wirtz after the break.
Man of the match
Dominic Szoboszlai – 6.0
The Hungarian international was unlucky to be forced off with an injury as he was beginning to show some influence on the match.
Subbed – 32 mins
Florian Wirtz – 7.0
The attacking midfielder was too lightweight at times; however, his touch and passing were evident as he strove to get an offensive variety into the match. Grew into the game and enjoyed the runners around him, whilst assisting for the equaliser.
Alexander Isak – 6.0
The Swedish international looked lacking in fitness and could not offer the physicality needed against a well-drilled team. He was the predator that was needed for his side’s second goal, something he offers.
Bradley Barcola – 6.0
The French winger was a very dissatisfied player when clean through; he put the ball wide when he should have opened the scoring. Was a little too wasteful; however, that changed when he assisted the second goal.
Víctor Muñoz – 8.0
The Spanish player was lacking in service and struggled to make a similar impact as last weekend. Showed great versatility when moved to right back. Was able to offer brilliance high up the pitch when equalising.
Substitutions;
Trey Nyoni – 7.0 (on 32)
Came on to offer a little more positional awareness.
Jeremie Frimpong – 4.0 (on 45)
Came on to only get injured in seven minutes.
Rio Ngumoha – 9.0 (on 52)
Came on to offer more invention. Was superb throughout.
Lewis Kousmas – 6.0 (on 79)
Came on to add more energy.
Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 79)
Came on to offer more defensive awareness.
The Manager;
Andoni Iraola – 8.0
The starting lineup was again adjusted due to injuries meaning certain players had to start this game once more. Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak were able to return to the starting lineup.
The second-half substitutes were required for varying reasons as the struggles continue. The reshaping of the right-hand side was brave and worked beautifully.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Brentford 2 – 2 Liverpool