Liverpool 3-0 Brentford: 5 Talking Points as Reds return to winning ways | Premier League 2021-22

Liverpool beat Brentford 3-0 in a Premier League game at Anfield, thanks to goals from Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino.

Fabinho opened the scoring on the cusp of half-time. The Brazilian headed in following a corner kick by Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool made their ascendancy county.

Brentford tried to stand their ground following the restart. Diogo Jota came close to scoring in the 62nd minute, but his effort hit the woodwork. The Portuguese was then denied by Alvaro Fernandez.

The visitors' hopes of getting back into the game ended when Oxlade-Chamberlain latched onto a beautiful cross from Andrew Robertson. The Englishman headed in to double his side's advantage in the 69th minute. Minutes later, Takumi Minamino sealed the game following some brilliant work in the box by Roberto Firmino.

With the win, Liverpool moved past Chelsea into second. They have amassed 45 points after 21 games and trail Manchester City by 11 points. The Reds also have a game in hand.

On that note, here's a look at five talking points from the game:

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#5 Kaide Gordon makes his Premier League debut

It was a special game from Gordon.

Kaide Gordon, after impressing against Shrewsbury Town, was handed his Premier League debut. The 17-year-old replaced Diogo Jota in the 82nd minute.

In the process, Gordon broke a long-standing record. At 17 years, three months and 11 days, he became the fourth-youngest player to debut for Liverpool in a league game, overtaking Raheem Sterling. He is only behind Jack Robinson, Harvey Elliott and Ben Woodburn.

Alexander-Arnold heaped praise on Gordon, tweeting: "The future is bright."

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#4 Liverpool get back to winning ways

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain celebrates after scoring against Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp's men returned to winning ways in the Premier League after a series of disappointing results. Liverpool had drawn 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, and lost 1-0 to Leicester City. Their last victory in the league came against Newcastle United on 17th December.

This win is huge for Klopp's troops, as they are missing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are currently playing in the Africa Cup of Nations. The German will be delighted with how Firmino and Fabinho have stepped up in Salah and Mane's absence.

Fabinho was the engine room of the team. He was key in both offence and defence.

He won eight duels, made seven recoveries and created four chances in the game.

#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold sizzles for Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoyed a great game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoyed a great game for Liverpool. The Englishman had the right flank under complete control. With Mohamed Salah out on international duty, Alexander-Arnold has been handed additional responsibilities.

The Englishman was a menace every time he advanced high up the pitch. He shared the offensive responsibilities with Oxlade-Chamberlain. Alexander-Arnold set up Fabinho for the opening goal of the game.

He also won three duels, completed two dribbles, won one tackle, made 13 recoveries, and created four chances throughout the game.

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#2 Reds put on defensive masterclass

Joel Matip was amazing against Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp fielded Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson in a four-man backline. The centre-back pairing of Van Dijk and Matip were virtually unbeatable on the night.

The Cameroon international was mightily impressive. He won seven duels, made two clearances, won two tackles, intercepted the ball twice, and made seven recoveries on the night. The highlight of his game was his amazing run from his own box to the opposition's. He combined well with Van Dijk to neutralise everything that came down the centre.

Meanwhile, Robertson had an amazing game for Liverpool down the left flank. He set up Oxlade-Chamberlain for Liverpool's second of the game. The Scottish international won six duels, completed two dribbles, made 13 recoveries, and created four chances throughout the game.

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#1 Takumi Minamino bags a goal on his birthday

Takumi Minamino rejoices after scoring for Liverpool against Brentford.

Takumi Minamino scored the third goal of the night to put the game to bed. The Japanese came on in the 74th minute of the game to replace Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Three minutes later, he was on the scoresheet. The 27-year-old slotted in from close range following an assist from Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian gifted Minamino a goal on his birthday, following some good work in the box.

That should help his confidence following a disastrous miss against Arsenal in mid-week.