Darwin Nunez had two goals disallowed for offside in the first half before setting up Mohamed Salah for the game-winning goal in the 39th minute.
Wataru Endo, who took the place of the suspended Alexis Mac Allister in the second half, averted a red card after a VAR review in the second half.
Following this maybe fortunate escape, the Reds continued in search of further goals, and the second came in the 62nd minute, when Salah headed home a Kostas Tsimikas cross.
Just 12 minutes later, the Greek was involved again, this time teeing up Diogo Jota on the outskirts of the area to make it 3-0 and push the Reds into second place in the standings.
Here are five takeaways from today’s game…
1) VAR, AGAIN THE CENTER OF ATTENTION
VAR appears to be having “a moment.” It’s hard to watch a game without it being the focal point of attention.
Fortunately for the Reds today, Stockley Park judgments went in their favor.
But it didn’t feel like that in the first half. Darwin Nunez’s first goal of the game was thwarted by the length of his big toe. He was subsequently denied again for a much clearer offside.
Those with the monitors, on the other hand, saved Wataru Endo a red card in the second half, when there probably wouldn’t have been anything to complain about if it had gone the other way.
Then, after the entire Bees defense appeared to have stopped, VAR confirmed that Tsimikas had not run the ball out of play as he slid to set up Salah for his second goal of the day.
2) DARWIN STANDS OUT
Darwin Nunez’s first-half effort was likely his best in a Liverpool shirt.
He kept his cool when he found himself clear in the six-yard box after Dominik Szoboszlai’s mishit shot, but he was rejected for offside by a matter of centimetres.
He then hit a lovely overhead kick in the top corner from a very tight position, but the lino’s flag denied him once more.
His most significant contribution, however, was to drive at the Brentford backline in usual fashion before delivering an inch-perfect pass for Mohamed Salah to open the scoring with his characteristic finish.
Though his influence waned in the second half, the Uruguayan appeared to be a much more refined player.
3) ON THE EDGE ENDO
Wataru Endo was given a rare Premier League start on Sunday due to a combination of bans and injuries, and he may have been fortunate to finish the game.
The Japan international was clearly eager to impress and played with zeal. He did, however, play a risky game and was fortunate to escape without penalties for the violent challenge that left Christian Norgaard in a heap.
His studs made contact with the Dane’s knee, but he was deemed to have adequately won the ball.
Endo’s perseverance throughout the game must be admired, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Alexis Mac Allister returned to the starting lineup now that he’s fulfilled his ban.
4) GAKPO VERSATILE
Cody Gakpo was regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young left-wingers prior to joining Liverpool. Since arriving at Anfield, the Dutchman has played everywhere except on the flank.
He started in the middle of the park today, not for the first time, and didn’t look out of place.
With everyone fit and available, this would not have been Klopp’s first-choice lineup, but with Brentford playing a back five, it looked to suit the Reds, with Gakpo and Szoboszlai both playing as “tens” at times, generating a numerical advantage in attack.
Similarly, he had the foresight and legs to defend, especially when Tsimikas joined the onslaught.
5) INJURY WORRIES
While the Reds’ starting lineup on Sunday was nothing out of the ordinary, a quick glance at the bench may cause anxiety.
The Reds were already missing Alexis MacAllister (suspension), Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch (all knocks) for the Brentford encounter, but injuries struck the defense as well, with both Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate out.
As a result, Luis Diaz was the only outfielder over the age of 20 on the bench. In the presence of Trey Nyoni (16), Ben Doak (18), Luke Chambers, James McConnell (both 19), Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah (20), he would have felt extremely ancient at 26.
