NEW DELHI: Liverpool demonstrated their Premier League title credentials with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah's return from injury stealing the headlines.
Liverpool asserted their dominance from the outset, with Darwin Nunez opening the scoring with a sublime chip late in the first half. The Reds' attacking prowess was further showcased as Alexis Mac Allister doubled their advantage after the break, putting them firmly in control of the match.
Salah, making his first appearance for Liverpool since suffering a hamstring injury during the Africa Cup of Nations, made an immediate impact after coming off the bench to replace the injured Diogo Jota.
The Egyptian forward displayed his trademark precision and poise, slotting home a composed finish to extend Liverpool's lead and mark his return in style.
Despite Brentford pulling one back through Ivan Toney, Liverpool continued to assert their authority, with Cody Gakpo sealing the victory with a late goal.
The win saw Liverpool move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, reaffirming their status as title contenders as they pursue their first league title since 2020.
However, the victory came at a cost for Liverpool, as injuries to Jota and Curtis Jones added to the team's growing injury concerns.
With key fixtures on the horizon, including the League Cup final against Chelsea and continued competition in the FA Cup and Europa League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces challenges in managing his squad amidst the mounting injury worries.
Despite the setbacks, Liverpool showcased their offensive prowess and defensive resilience, reaffirming their status as one of the top teams in the league.
With Salah leading the charge, Liverpool's title aspirations remain firmly within reach as they look to maintain their momentum in the remaining matches of the season.
(With inputs from AFP)
