Liverpool vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Mohamed Salah winner

An early goal by Mohamed Salah was enough to give Liverpool a 1-0 Premier League win over Brentford on Saturday that keeps the pressure on fierce rivals Manchester United in the hunt for Champions League football next season.

Their sixth league win in a row left the Merseysiders in fifth spot on 62 points, one behind fourth-placed United, but the Red Devils have two games in hand over Liverpool. Brentford are ninth on 50 points.

Before the game got underway, the Liverpool fans loudly booed, whistled and chanted their team’s name as the national anthem was played to mark the coronation of King Charles in London earlier on Saturday.

Brentford strung five across the back in an effort to thwart Liverpool’s array of attacking riches, but they still went behind in the 13th minute as Virgil van Dijk headed Fabinho’s cross back for Salah to bundle home his 100th goal at Anfield.

Bryan Mbeumo out-sprinted and out-muscled Van Dijk to fire home in the 40th minute for Brentford, but the flag went up for a marginal offside that was confirmed by VAR and the goal was disallowed.

Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo both wasted good chances to increase Liverpool’s lead, but with Brentford only managing a single shot on target, Salah’s goal proved enough for the home side to claim the victory.

Relive the day’s action after Liverpool defeated Brentford and Man City returned to the top against Leeds:

Liverpool vs Brentford: Latest updates

  • FT! Liverpool 1-0 Brentford - Six wins in a row for the Reds keeps top-four hopes alive

  • 78’ SAVE! A flying stop from Raya denies a rising Alexander-Arnold drive (LIV 1-0 BRE)

  • 40’ NO GOAL! Mbeumo races through and finishes, but is offside from Toney pass (LIV 1-0 BRE)

  • 13’ GOAL! Van Dijk squares to Salah, who scrambles in opener from close range (LIV 1-0 BRE)

Liverpool FC 1 - 0 Brentford FC

FULL-TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

20:04 , Ben Fleming

Mohamed Salah’s goal in a 1-0 win over Brentford propelled Liverpool closer to the Premier League top four and deflected attention away from the booing of the national anthem at Anfield on coronation day.

The pre-match playing of ‘God Save the King’ was roundly jeered by the majority of fans, who have not forgiven the establishment for its attitude to the city in the 1980s and, more recently, the handling of the Hillsborough disaster and the fight for justice.

But with the airing of the first bars of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ the atmosphere flipped and Salah kicked off the celebrations with yet another milestone goal in a career of Liverpool landmarks.

Read Carl Markham’s report of Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Brentford:

Mohamed Salah scores landmark goal as Liverpool beat Brentford after boos for anthem

Liverpool turn up the heat as Anfield rediscovers its chest-thumping swagger

20:38 , Jamie Braidwood

One-nil victories come in all shapes and sizes.

Midweek, Liverpool looked very much like a side struggling to rekindle their former, high-octane grandeur as they made hard of work of disposing a Fulham team with little to play for.

What will have grated those in attendance on Wednesday night most was the timing of such a flat performance, just four days after producing one of those gripping, last-minute wins that had Jurgen Klopp thumping his chest to the Mersey Beat after the match.

Even though the top four are still very much within reach, these final few games this campaign are the start of a rather long pre-season looking ahead to next term, given what has unfolded in a dramatic fall from grace for the quadruple chasers.

Liverpool therefore needed to rebuild that momentum against Brentford to stoke the fire on the stalled Anfield juggernaut. While the result was the same as against another west London team on Saturday, the manner of the performance, while still showing plenty of hard-to-eradicate flaws, was very different indeed.

It was not quite, to borrow the Eric Cantona analogy, chests stuck out as if they owned the place, but, if only in fleeting moments, Liverpool rediscovered some swagger, on the perfect afternoon to do so, as Anfield itself again made it perfectly clear they are happy to operate against the grain.

By Pete Hall

Liverpool turn up the heat as Anfield rediscovers its chest-thumping swagger

Klopp speaks to Sky Sports

20:02 , Ben Fleming

“We didn’t consider real chance with what felt like 50 or 60 set pieces and it was because the boys were really focused. We could have controlled the game better in moments but it was really tricky because they break the rhythm, not only with the set pieces they have but as well, the time they take for it.

“I saw a lot of positive things football-wise and with our focus so it was extremely good.”

On Alexander-Arnold’s position: “It suits him extremely well. The chance he set up for Darwin was a very special ball. We have to adapt still to the formation because I think last game we struggled a bit in defence but apart from that it’s outstanding what he’s doing.”

On Salah’s goal record: “I can’t see him stopping because that’s just his nature. So, I think as an offensive player, you need to have this desire to score goals, but a lot of people, forget how many goals he sets up so he’s just always involved in the goals we score.

“Sometimes I don’t think people appreciate players enough when they are still playing. For us it’s clear - he is an all-time great. I know he’s proud of what he achieved today - the numbers are outrageous.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Mbuemo speaks to Sky Sports

19:51 , Ben Fleming

“We had a good performance. We are frustrated of course because we wanted to win but we played a good game as well.

“It’s always hard to come and play in this place so for 25 minutes they came out flying and we concede, but we raised up after this and created a few chances.

“We missed a little bit in the last pass. I maybe could have given goals to my teammates, but it was a very good game. At the end, they tried to win as much time as they could.”

Salah speaks to Sky Sports

19:45 , Ben Fleming

“We need to keep winning - that was the main thing for us today and I’m glad that we did. Everybody is happy in the dressing room so that’s great and now we just need to keep going.”

On today’s record-breaking goal: “It means a lot to me. I feel home here, I’m happy and hopefully, we can finish the season in the best possible way.

“I work really hard, and everybody knows that, everybody sees that. I’m just motivated to keep breaking records and scoring goals.”

On Liverpool’s recent run of form: “We’ve improved a lot last couple of weeks, a couple of clean sheets which is really important for us because once you don’t consider goal, you just need to win 1-0 and that’s it. We are more stable at the moment as a team, which we need to carry on.”

 (PA Wire)
(PA Wire)

FULL-TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford - a pair of centuries

19:32 , Ben Fleming

A hugely important win for Liverpool is capped off by the passing of some significant landmarks at both ends of the pitch.

Salah’s match-winner marks his 100th goal at Anfield in all competitions with the result also bringing up Alisson’s 100th clean sheet in all competitions for the Reds.

FULL-TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:23 , Ben Fleming

The full-time whistle goes and Liverpool hold on! Six wins on the trot for Jurgen Klopp’s side with the winning goal coming from the boot of Salah. It was his 100th goal at Anfield that put Liverpool ahead in the 13th minute before Nunez fired over shortly after. Mbuemo’s superb solo effort was ruled out for offside as Brentford fought back into the contest before half-time.

The second half was not Liverpool’s free-flowing best, despite chances from Alexander-Arnold and Gakpo but a win is all that matters at this stage of the season.

They remain fifth and move to within a point of Man United who face West Ham tomorrow. Brentford remain ninth.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:22 , Ben Fleming

90+3 mins: The cross comes in but Liverpool’s defence holds firm. A minute to go at Anfield...

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:22 , Ben Fleming

90+2 mins: Raya comes up from the back but it’s Alisson - his opposite number - who comes through the crowd to punch the ball clear. Brentford recycle the ball and win another corner.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:21 , Ben Fleming

90+2 mins: Toney fouls Tsimikas as Brentford launch another free-kick into the box. Four minutes off added time for Brentford to find an equaliser and they have another corner...

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:18 , Ben Fleming

88 mins: Brentford certainly haven’t given up hope of getting something from this game as they make another attacking change. Full-back Hickey is taken off with Wissa joining the forward line off the bench.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:15 , Ben Fleming

84 mins: WIDE!! Hickey is isolated in defence and his attempt to head the ball back to his goalkeeper goes awry. Gakpo latches onto the loose ball but slashes the effort wide from the right side of the box.

Liverpool have had chances to kill this game off and their fans will be hoping it doesn’t come back to haunt them.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:12 , Ben Fleming

82 mins: Double changes apiece for both sides as we enter the closing stages. Milner and Tsimikas are introduced by Liverpool with Robertson and Jones making way while Brentford bring on Damsgaard and Baptiste in place of Jensen and Janelt.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:09 , Ben Fleming

78 mins: SAVE!! Clear-cut chances have been few and far between this half but Raya is eventually called into action and makes a superb flying save to his right to deny Alexander-Arnold’s sweetly-hit effort from outside the box.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:07 , Ben Fleming

77 mins: Yellow card. Alisson is deemed to be taking too long with a goal kick and he goes into the referee’s book.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:04 , Ben Fleming

75 mins: Janelt concedes a Brentford corner but the away side can clear. Liverpool recycle the play but Alexander-Arnold’s pass into the box is overhit and it’s a goal kick.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:02 , Ben Fleming

72 mins: Both sides turn to their benches. Brentford make an attacking switch as wing-back Henry comes off for Schade while Onyeka makes way for Dasilva.

Jota makes way for the home side with Henderson coming in to sure up the midfield.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

19:00 , Ben Fleming

70 mins: Yellow card. Gakpo shows good determination down the right and he attracts a poor challenge from Henry who is shown a yellow card.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:58 , Ben Fleming

68 mins: There is confusion between Robertson and Alisson and Hickey ghosts in behind the pair to meet Jensen’s cross. The Brentford wing-back makes a meal of it, though, and the ball ends up behind for a goal kick.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:54 , Ben Fleming

65 mins: The first change of the match is made by Liverpool as Diaz is introduced to the action. Nunez makes way.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:52 , Ben Fleming

63 mins: Mbeumo fires it low towards the front post from the free-kick but it can’t get through the sea of bodies and Liverpool can clear it away.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:51 , Ben Fleming

62 mins: Onyeka does well to chase down an overhit cross and Toney takes full advantage, jinking past several Liverpool players before drawing a foul from Robertson on the right edge of the box.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:48 , Ben Fleming

59 mins: A busy start to the second half but Liverpool have regained some modicum of control as they search for a second.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:46 , Ben Fleming

54 mins: Yellow card. Gakpo, perhaps in frustration, hauls down Mbeumo moments later. Konate kicks the ball away and the centre-back is shown a yellow card.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:45 , Ben Fleming

53 mins: HOW HAS THAT NOT GONE IN? Jota finds a bit of space inside the box and Salah’s ball finds him. The Portuguese international fires the ball across the box and it finds Gakpo who is no more than a couple of yards out.

The ball hits him but, without the time to react, the ball doesn’t end up in the net and bounces wide.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:41 , Ben Fleming

51 mins: A real positive start to the half from Brentford as Mbeumo’s cross is caught by Alisson after a lovely first-time backheel from Toney had set his strike partner free down the left.

Up the other end, Alexander-Arnold sees his long-range effort fly high into the stands.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:38 , Ben Fleming

48 mins: Brentford have the first chance of the second half through Onyeka as the midfielder’s effort is blocked by Fabinho. Muted appeals from the Brentford fans for handball are turned away by the referee.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:35 , Ben Fleming

46 mins: No half-time changes for either sides as Liverpool get this second half underway!

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:30 , Ben Fleming

Prior to the match, the playing of the national anthem - to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III earlier in the day - was met by boos and chants from Liverpool fans.

Reds supporters hold a long-established opposition towards the establishment, with the booing of the national anthem becoming widespread in the 1980s and during the Conservative government’s “managed decline” of the city. The failings of the government following the Hillsborough disaster further entrenched those feelings.

Why do Liverpool fans boo the national anthem?

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:19 , Ben Fleming

No action in added time so Liverpool remain 1-0 up as we head to the break. The home side had much the better of the opening period and made their advantage count when Salah tapped in for his 100th Anfield goal.

Nunez missed a good chance shortly after but Brentford can be pleased with how they grew into that first half. Toney fired just wide from a free-kick before Mbeumo’s superb solo effort was ruled for offside.

Liverpool lead but it’s far from over.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:17 , Ben Fleming

45 mins: We head into the first of three minutes of added time to end this first half.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:15 , Ben Fleming

Here’s the replay of Mbeumo’s offside goal. So very close to a Brentford equaliser:

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:15 , Ben Fleming

44 mins: Yellow card. Fabinho brings down Toney and the Brazilian is shown a yellow and it’s another free-kick in a good area. Mbeumo delivers but Fabinho redeems himself with a good recovery header which Alisson can then claim.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:13 , Ben Fleming

40 mins: DISALLOWED! Mbeumo with a superb composed finish after a great pass into him from Toney. He drives in from the right, beating Van Dijk, and finishes beyond Alisson but the offside flag goes up straight away.

VAR checks and confirms the offside decision. A lucky escape for Liverpool.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:10 , Ben Fleming

39 mins: Onyeka is brought down by Fabinho and Brentford have a free-kick in a promising position. Toney steps up and drills it low around the wall. Alisson is sent sprawling to his left but the effort goes just wide of his post.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:07 , Ben Fleming

36 mins: Brentford’s first corner of the game is played short. Mbeumo’s eventual cross is blocked away by Robertson and Liverpool can clear the subsequent long throw-in.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:05 , Ben Fleming

33 mins: Janelt tries to sneak in behind the Liverpool defence and fashion an opportunity for Brentford. He can’t do so, however, and Liverpool have a goal kick.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

18:02 , Ben Fleming

29 mins: CHANCE! Nunez is leading the line for Liverpool and he spurns a golden opportunity to double his side’s lead. It’s a glorious ball over the top from Alexander-Arnold and Nunez meets it but he can only spoon his effort over the bar from close range.

Disappointing from the Uruguayan.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:59 , Ben Fleming

27 mins: Yellow card. Liverpool look to break with speed through the heart of a retreating Brentford defence. Nunez feeds Jota but he collides with Mbeumo who goes into the referee’s book after bringing down the Portuguese forward on the halfway line.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:56 , Ben Fleming

25 mins: There is a pause in play as Pinnock feels some discomfort in his shoulder following a collision with Nunez. The Brentford defender is back up on his feet and looks okay to continue.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:54 , Ben Fleming

22 mins: Van Dijk already has an assist and a yellow card but now he fancies a goal. It’s a well-hit strike from outside the box which whistles wide of the Brentford goal.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:52 , Ben Fleming

20 mins: It’s not the start that Brentford would have wanted against this in-form Liverpool side. Mbeumo registers their first shot on target but it’s a long-range effort and Alisson saves it comfortably.

Up the other end, Liverpool win a corner but Pinnock clears.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:49 , Ben Fleming

Here’s the replay of Liverpool’s opener courtesy of Salah:

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:47 , Ben Fleming

16 mins: Nunez races through on goal and sees his powerful effort saved well by Raya before the offside flag goes up.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Brentford (Salah, 13)

17:44 , Ben Fleming

Well, Brentford dealt with that earlier corner but they don’t deal with the next cross and Liverpool are ahead!

Van Dijk meets Fabinho’s cross and heads it across goal where Salah is waiting to meet it. The Egyptian bundles it into the net and wheels away in celebration. That’s his 100th goal at Anfield and a record ninth in a row at home.

The perfect start for the hosts.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford

17:44 , Ben Fleming

12 mins: It’s good play from Liverpool down the left and Salah is set free. The Egyptian whips in an enticing cross with the outside of his boot which Nunez can’t quite connect with.

Brentford clear it out for a corner which comes to nothing.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford

17:39 , Ben Fleming

8 mins: Robertson and Liverpool have a free-kick of their own now and it’s Konate who gets an impressive leap but fails to make contact with the cross. They win a corner which Brentford clear as far as Salah but his effort is easily gathered by Raya in the Brentford goal.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford

17:36 , Ben Fleming

5 mins: Yellow card. That’s a really poor challenge from Van Dijk on Onyeka and the Liverpool centre-back is shown an early yellow. He’ll have to walk that tightrope for the remaining 85 minutes up against Toney.

Jensen whips in the corner but it goes straight out for a goal kick.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford

17:34 , Ben Fleming

2 mins: An awkward landing from Toney in the opening moments as he limps gingerly after getting up. Liverpool look to break through Jota but the forward slips as he looks to cut inside onto his right foot and the Brentford defence recover.

KICK-OFF: Liverpool 0-0 Brentford

17:31 , Ben Fleming

1 min: Brentford kick off and we are underway in the first half!

Liverpool vs Brentford

17:29 , Ben Fleming

The players are out on the pitch and gather around the centre circle for the national anthem following the coronation of King Charles III earlier in the day. As we expected, it’s met with a mixture of boos and chants from the Liverpool fans in the ground

FULL-TIME: Man City 2-1 Leeds

17:26 , Ben Fleming

Nobody is ahead of Sam Allardyce. Not Jurgen Klopp, not Mikel Arteta and not Pep Guardiola. Or so argued Allardyce, anyway. A game into his comeback, just maybe Guardiola is slightly ahead of him.

The scoreline suggested as much, the match – as one-sided as a 2-1 can get – indicated they are separated by a gulf, in ambition and skill, in ability in possession and footballing philosophy. But, given the inferior players at his disposal and the difficulties he inherited, a man of Allardyce’s immense self-confidence may feel it supports his case they are equals.

Read Richard Jolly’s report from the Etihad Stadium:

Sam Allardyce as good as Pep Guardiola? Man City show they are separated by a gulf

Liverpool vs Brentford - key stats

17:22 , Ben Fleming

  • Liverpool have lost just one of their 10 home meetings with Brentford in all competitions (W7 D2), winning the last six in a row since a 4-3 loss in November 1937 in the top-flight.

  • Brentford have won their last two Premier League games. They’re looking to win three in a row for the first time since January, which included a 3-1 victory over Liverpool.

  • Brentford have won just two of their 14 Premier League games against sides in the top five of the table (D5 L7), though both of these victories came away from home (4-1 v Chelsea in April 2022, and 2-1 at Man City in November this season).

Klopp speaking to Sky Sports

17:19 , Ben Fleming

“Coaching all of a sudden is a joy again. We had nothing to lose a few weeks ago and started something new. Since then it is going well.

“We are not there - not even close. We know that. We have to learn a lot and improve a lot, and we have to keep going.”

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Liverpool vs Brentford

17:18 , Ben Fleming

For Liverpool, it’s three changes from their 1-0 win against Fulham. Robertson comes back in for Tsimikas at left-back while Gakpo and Jota return to the forward line. Henderson and Diaz drop to the bench.

Frank makes two changes to his Brentford side after their 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest as they move to a back five. Zanka comes into defence and Onyeka into central midfield with Damsgaard and Schade making way.

Liverpool vs Brentford

17:12 , Ben Fleming

We now turn out attention to Merseyside as Liverpool host Brentford. A reminder of the line-ups:

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Fabinho, Gakpo; Salah, Jota, Nunez

Brentford XI: Raya; Hickey, Zanka, Mee, Pinnock, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Onyeka; Mbeumo, Toney

Around the grounds

17:07 , Ben Fleming

Elsewhere in the 3 pm kick-offs, Frank Lampard got his first win since returning to Chelsea with a 3-1 away victory against Bournemouth.

There were also 1-0 wins for Tottenham against Crystal Palace and for Wolves versus Aston Villa.

FULL-TIME: Man City 2-1 Leeds

17:06 , Ben Fleming

With that win, City move four points clear at the top of the Premier League and are now unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions.

For Leeds, they remain above the drop only on goal difference. Nottingham Forest and Everton play on Monday, both with the chance to move above Leeds and out of the relegation zone.

FULL-TIME: Man City 2-1 Leeds

16:55 , Ben Fleming

It’s nowhere near as comfortable as City would have liked in the end but it’s three points nevertheless with a 2-1 win against Leeds. A first-half brace from Gundogan in the first half set City on their way and they could have had more but Haaland failed to convert several good chances.

City should have moved 3-0 when Foden was hauled down in the 84th minute but Gundogan would hit the post with his effort from the spot.

And Leeds, who barely threatened throughout the encounter, then provided a late scare for the hosts after Rodrigo fired home less than a minute later.

City held on, though, and it’s another step closer to the Premier League title for Guardiola’s side.

Man City 2-1 Leeds

16:53 , Ben Fleming

90+3 mins: Yellow card. McKennie barges over Gundogan and is shown a yellow card. Now City’s goalscorer makes way - there won’t be a hat-trick after that missed penalty but it’s still a match-winning performance from the German as things stand.

Man City 2-1 Leeds

16:50 , Ben Fleming

90 mins: Four minutes of added time as City resort to timewasting from the corner.

Man City 2-1 Leeds

16:50 , Ben Fleming

87 mins: Alvarez makes way for Silva as City make another change. They may well have wanted to take off more of their senior plays out on the pitch but now they need to keep full focus for these last few moments to see out this result.

GOAL! Man City 2-1 Leeds (Rodrigo, 85)

16:46 , Ben Fleming

Well, well, well - who saw that coming? 58 seconds after the penalty miss and Leeds have a lifeline in this game. It’s an awful decision from Akanji who decides to stoop low and head it away rather than clear it with his foot.

The header deflects off Rodrigo and the Spaniard can nick in to steal the ball before finishing past Ederson. A fist pump from Big Sam in the dugout - they couldn’t, could they?

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:45 , Ben Fleming

84 mins: OFF THE POST! Gundogan steps up and strikes the post! Not to be for the City captain and was that a mistake from City to let Gundogan take it? Guardiola certainly thinks so and he’s yelling at Haaland to say he should have taken it.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:44 , Ben Fleming

84 mins: CITY PENALTY! Struijk has been on a matter of seconds but it doesn’t start well. Foden jinks past the centre-back and the Leeds defender brings him down. City have the penalty and Gundogan will take it as he eyes up his first senior hat-trick.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:41 , Ben Fleming

80 mins: Foden and Mahrez have kept their width so well in this game and have stretched the game superbly. Foden, this time, gets on the ball but sees his low cross turned behind for a corner by Wober.

Just prior to the corner, Leeds make a double change as Struijk and Aaronson are introduced for Bamford and Forshaw.

De Bruyne eventually delivers but Lewis’ effort from long range flies high and wide over the Leeds goal.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:37 , Ben Fleming

77 mins: De Bruyne whips in another enticing cross but Robles does well to come off his line and clear it away with Haaland looking to pounce just beyond him.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:34 , Ben Fleming

75 mins: They’ve not conceded this half but hardly much in the way of attacking optimism in this second-half performance from Leeds. Just the two shots on goal and they remain camped in their own half as they defend wave after wave of City attacks.

Foden tries to play through Haaland but the Norwegian can’t quite latch onto the through ball and it runs through to Robles.

Liverpool vs Brentford: Confirmed line-ups

16:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Fabinho, Gakpo; Salah, Jota, Nunez

Brentford XI: Raya; Hickey, Zanka, Mee, Pinnock, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Onyeka; Mbeumo, Toney

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:31 , Ben Fleming

71 mins: Yellow card. De Bruyne skips past Rodrigo down the City right but is brought down but a late challenge from the Leeds sub. A yellow card for him and another free-kick opportunity for City.

Mahrez flashes it low towards the near post but Robles is alert and makes the save.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:30 , Ben Fleming

70 mins: Another free-kick for City which De Bruyne, this time, whips in. Robles claims well.

20 minutes to go and just the one sub used by City - somewhat surprising given their Champions League fixture on Tuesday.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:27 , Ben Fleming

67 mins: City line up a free-kick attempt in an enticing position but Mahrez’s effort deflects off the wall and out for a corner. De Bruyne delivers the resulting corner but Akanji heads well-wide with an awkward header.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:26 , Ben Fleming

66 mins: Another change for Leeds and this time Harrison makes way for Summerville.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:22 , Ben Fleming

62 mins: POST!! It’s not Haaland’s day today, is it? Lewis again with an inch-perfect pass to find the City striker. He turns superbly and takes the shot quickly but it clips the left post and goes wide.

Six shots now but still no goal for him today.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:19 , Ben Fleming

58 mins: Lewis has had an impressive game in midfield for City and he shows off his defensive capabilities to put off Bamford as he tries to divert a cross goalwards. It goes out for a goal kick and the attention now turns to Leeds’ bench as they make an attacking double change.

Greenwood and Rodrigo come on with Gnonto and Roca making way.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:15 , Ben Fleming

54 mins: There’s a stoppage in play as Ake appears to have a slight niggle. Guardiola takes no chances and he’s brought off.

Walker comes on in his place.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:14 , Ben Fleming

53 mins: CHANCE!! Another Haaland chance goes begging. Alvarez makes a cute run into the right channel which is found by Lewis. He stands up a cross into the six-yard box which Haaland meets with a powerful leap but is header is straight down the throat of Robles who clutches it gratefully.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:12 , Ben Fleming

51 mins: Another long ball over the top as Leeds try and fashion some semblance of an attacking thrust but Ederson, once again, is off his line quickly and able to clear it away.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:09 , Ben Fleming

48 mins: City almost have their third after a delightful ball in from a De Bruyne free-kick. Laporte meets the cross and sends it back across the box where Haaland meets it. His header crashes against the bar but the offside flag goes up against Laporte and it wouldn’t have stood regardless.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

16:05 , Ben Fleming

46 mins: City kick off and we’re underway in the second half!

Around the grounds

16:01 , Ben Fleming

Elsewhere in the other 3 pm kick-offs, Harry Kane became the first player to score 10 headers in a Premier League season. His goal has Tottenham 1-0 up against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea took the lead against Bournemouth with Conor Gallagher’s ninth-minute strike but Matias Vina’s goal means it’s 1-1 at the break on the south coast.

And in the West Midlands, Toti’s early header means Wolves have a 1-0 lead over Aston Villa at the break as they look to reach 40 points and secure Premier League safety.

Liverpool vs Brentford: Early team news

15:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Team news

Jurgen Klopp said Diogo Jota and captain Jordan Henderson will be assessed ahead of the match while Roberto Firmino remains sidelined. The German added that midfielder Thiago Alcantara is expected to be fit for pre-season after his hip surgery.

Thomas Frank has confiemd that Kristoffer Ajer is back available for selection after several months out with a calf issue. Pontus Jansson, Thomas Strakosha and Christian Norgaard remain out but Frank has no fresh injury concerns. Josh Dasilva could earn a promotion to the starting side after his injury time winner against Nottingham Forest.

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Fabinho, Milner; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.

Brentford XI: Raya; Hickey, Mee, Pinnock, Henry; Dasilva, Jensen, Janelt; Mbeumo, Toney, Schade

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool vs Brentford is due to kick off at 5.30pm BST on Saturday 6 May at Anfield in Liverpool.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 5pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via the Sky Go app.

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:54 , Jamie Braidwood

In this evening’s game Liverpool will look to continue a fine recent run of Premier League form as they welcome Brentford to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won five games in a row and now sit only four points back from Manchester United in fourth, though they have played a game more than their rivals.

Brentford’s own hopes of European qualification had been beginning to fade after a tough April, but two wins in four days have kept Thomas Frank’s team in the mix.

But a win on Merseyside might be a must if the London club are to challenge Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brighton ahead of them for a Europa League place.

Is Liverpool vs Brentford on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

HALF-TIME: Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:49 , Ben Fleming

The players head down the tunnel and it’s another flawless 45 minutes from Man City who lead 2-0 at the break against Leeds United.

A brace from Gundogan - both well-hit strikes from the edge of the box - is the difference between the two sides but it’s been comfortable for the home side who have looked several cuts above this Leeds side. 11 shots, 84% possession and surely on their way to another three points.

Welcome back to the Premier League, Big Sam...

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:49 , Ben Fleming

45+2 mins: Yellow card. Gnonto slips as he looks to close down Mahrez on the right and it’s a clumsy challenge. No hint of intent and he apologises immediately but it’s a yellow card for the Italian.

From the free-kick, Foden tries his luck with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box. He catches it beautifully but it flies just over the bar and that’s the half.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:46 , Ben Fleming

44 mins: A couple of minutes left in this half but City have another corner after Foden’s cross is turned behind by Kristensen. Mahrez’s delivery is poor and Firpo heads it clear.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:41 , Ben Fleming

39 mins: Pretty comfortable stuff for City so far in this first half - just the 84% possession as we approach the 40th minute.

If Allardyce didn’t appreciate the scale of the task he’ll have to pull off to steer this Leeds side to safety, he surely does now...

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:38 , Ben Fleming

And here is the second with Gundogan and Mahrez combining again:

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:38 , Ben Fleming

It’s been non-stop action at the Etihad so far but let’s take a moment to show you the City goals. Here is Gundogan’s opener:

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:37 , Ben Fleming

35 mins: Haaland again gets in behind again but his left foot takes it away from him as he looks to strike and he rather awkwardly ends up on the ground having missed the ball with his right foot.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:34 , Ben Fleming

31 mins: Robles was brought in to bring stability in place of the struggling Meslier but the Spaniard makes an absolute mess of it as he looks to claim a cross. He collides with his centre-back as he looks to catch it and the ball spills out to Alvarez.

Thankfully for Leeds, Robles recovers and smothers the Argentine’s effort from the edge of the box.

Man City 2-0 Leeds

15:32 , Ben Fleming

29 mins: Leeds have got to ensure this doesn’t get ugly but they have a chance almost straight after City’s second from a corner. McKennie meets it well but it’s headed into the ground with Ederson doing well to palm the effort away.

Down the other end, Foden sees an effort saved before Alvarez’s strike is cleared off the line - the offside flag goes up shortly afterwards, though, as Foden was offside.

GOAL! Man City 2-0 Leeds (Gundogan, 27)

15:28 , Ben Fleming

Haaland’s miss was a let-off but Leeds do find themselves 2-0 down and it’s Gundogan again!

It’s almost a carbon copy of City’s opener as Mahrez drifts in from the right. He lays it off to the City captain who strokes it home once more from the edge of the box. Not the start Big Sam had in mind, you suspect.

Man City 1-0 Leeds

15:27 , Ben Fleming

25 mins: WHAT A MISS! Well, he is human after all. De Bruyne’s run is picked out superbly and the returning Belgian lays it back into the path of Haaland. The striker takes it in his stride and catches it sweetly but it flies just past the left post and that’s a huge let-off for Leeds.

You’d have bet your house on him finishing that...

Man City 1-0 Leeds

15:24 , Ben Fleming

21 mins: City continue to press forward in search of a second. Foden’s dinked cross goes all the way through to Mahrez on the other side of the box. The Algerian tries to flick it back towards Haaland but he miscues it and it goes over the bar and out for a goal kick.

GOAL! Man City 1-0 Leeds (Gundogan, 19)

15:20 , Ben Fleming

They were denied a couple of minutes ago but City have their opener now! Mahrez does excellent work, picking up the ball on the right before cutting infield and beating his man. He lays the ball off to the onrushing Gundogan who picks his spot superbly and bends an effort into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box.

Man City 0-0 Leeds

15:19 , Ben Fleming

17 mins: SAVE!! A far better chance for City but a huge save from Robles in the Leeds goal. Lewis threads a ball through to Haaland who makes another of his trademark runs off the shoulder of the centre-backs. He takes it in his stride but the Spanish shot-stopper does an excellent job to make a vital save and deny the Norwegian striker.

Man City 0-0 Leeds

15:18 , Ben Fleming

16 mins: Leeds are maintaining their compact shape and City look to work the ball wide to create openings. De Bruyne finds space on the right but his cross is fizzed in with too much pace and Alvarez can’t keep his effort down.

Man City 0-0 Leeds

15:14 , Ben Fleming

12 mins: De Bruyne lets fly from the edge of the but Wober throws his body in the way. They’ll need plenty more of that over the next 80 minutes.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website

Advertisement