Arne Slot says Liverpool players proved him wrong with late win at Brentford

Arne Slot says his Liverpool players “proved him wrong” after Darwin Nunez’s stoppage-time double gave the Premier League leaders a precious 2-0 win at Brentford.

Nunez came off the bench to convert Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross before he finished off a counter attack two minutes later.

Slot’s men had 37 shots in west London but were facing a third match without a win before the Uruguayan’s dramatic late salvo.

Following successive draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, it was an important three points for Liverpool in their quest for a second Premier League title.

“Of course I had doubts about it,” Slot said when asked was worried about his side failing to find a winner.

“Before we scored the two goals it was like I was watching the same game again (as draws against United and Forest).

“So many times in recent weeks we’ve missed a lot of chances. It would have been surprising if I felt that after all the chances missed today that we’d score in the last five minutes. The players proved me wrong again.

“Brentford have never conceded 37 shots in a game this season so what more can I ask from my players? They gave everything they had.”

Nunez now has four goals in the league this season. Slot insists the forward is having a positive campaign despite often featuring from the bench.

“I think he’s having a good season and he scores goals,” Slot added.

“He works very hard for the team and he assists. He’s in competition with some very good players and that’s why he’s not on the pitch every day. I’m very happy with him because of his performance.

“The first goal was from a long build-up and the second one was a counter attack. He can score against a low block because he’s a striker and he’s a threat from crosses as well.”

A loss for Brentford means they failed to build on Tuesday’s comeback 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Manager Thomas Frank credited their defensive efforts despite coming up short against the leaders.

“It was a good performance against a fantastic Liverpool team who I think are the best team in the Premier League and best team in the world,” he said.

“They are a level above Arsenal and City in terms of phases of the game, they are exceptionally good. We did well, we competed well.”