EPL: Slot extends perfect Liverpool start with 2-0 over Brentford

Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah (2L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 25, 2024. (Photograph: Darren Staples / AFP)

Arne Slot extended his perfect start as the Liverpool manager with a 2-0 win against Brentford on his Anfield debut on Sunday.

Slot was serenaded by Liverpool fans before kick-off and goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah ensured the mood remained upbeat as Liverpool made it two successive victories under their new boss.

The 45-year-old was taking charge of his first Premier League home game after opening his reign with a 2-0 win at Ipswich last weekend.

Slot was hired from Feyenoord to replace Jurgen Klopp after the German stepped down at the end of last term following nine successful years at Anfield.

The early signs are promising for Slot as he looks to build on the foundations laid by Klopp, who bowed out with a third-placed finish in the Premier League and a League Cup final victory last season.

In front of an Anfield league record crowd of 60,107, Liverpool took the lead in the 13th minute with a blistering break that climaxed with Diaz taking Diogo Jota’s pass and firing high into the net.

Salah put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute, cleverly adjusting his body position to dink his shot into the far corner from 12 yards after Dominik Szoboszlai tenaciously won possession in midfield.

Slot will get his first taste of a Liverpool grudge match next weekend when his team travel to bitter rivals Manchester United.

AFP