Liverpool 2-0 Brentford: Konate excellent as Slot passes test

The Reds produced another hugely encouraging display to keep up their perfect start under Arne Slot.

Photo: IMAGO | Anfield Index

Liverpool kept up their perfect start to the new season as they beat Brentford 2-0 at Anfield.

Luis Diaz opened the scoring early in the first half, producing a fine left-footed finish following a break from a corner.

And Mohamed Salah wrapped things up in curling home a trademark finish late in the second period.

Read on for analysis from Anfield…

Towering Konate justifies inclusion

When Jarell Quansah was named in the starting line-up at Ipswich, it seemed that it was going to be tough to edge him out of the team any time soon.

But a half-time substitution and an impressive 135 minutes later, it is Ibrahima Konate who is deservedly in possession of the shirt.

The Frenchman was towering here, winning all four duels he was involved in and making three headed clearances - vital contributions against a physical Brentford outfit.

He also completed 96% of his passes to make a mockery of suggestions that he has weaknesses in possession.

If there is an upside for Quansah, it is that the past week proves things can change quickly, but he has a tough job on to dislodge his fellow centre-half on this evidence.

Slot passes important test

If you had any concern going into Arne Slot’s first season in charge, it was that he might be caught out by the occasional uniquely Premier League challenge.