ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL — Liverpool moved up to second in the Premier League as they earned a Mohamed Salah-inspired 3-0 win over Brentford.

The Egyptian opened the scoring as he finished off a well-worked move in the first half and effectively ended the contest with a header in the second.

And there was still time for Diogo Jota to smash home and not only add gloss to the scoreline but also ensure the Reds leapfrogged Arsenal.

It was also a welcome boost for Jurgen Klopp’s men after the disappointment of a draw at Luton Town and defeat in Toulouse in their previous two outings.

Starting lineups:

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas — Szoboszlai, Endo, Gakpo — Salah, Nunez, Jota.

Brentford (3-5-2): Flekken (GK) — Collins, Pinnock, Mee — Ayer, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Roerslev — Mbeumo, Wissa.

Comfortable in the end for Liverpool, who move up to second in the Premier League thanks to a Mohamed Salah brace and a goal from Diogo Jota.

90th min: Six minutes to be added on at Anfield.

84th min: Changes for Liverpool now.

Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota make way, with Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott replacing them.

79th min: Brentford go close as Pinnock forces Van Dijk to clear off the line with a header.

They’ve caused trouble in the air all the way through today’s game but still have nothing to show for it.

Well, that should be that for Liverpool. Jota takes the ball just inside the area and twists and turns before cutting onto his right and smashing the ball into the far corner. 

69th min: Brentford still threatening and it requires a foul on Mbeumo to stop their latest speedy counter.

He has been incredible today in helping the visitors get up the pitch.

It’s a muted celebration from the Liverpool man, who clearly feels Tsimikas might not have been able to get the cross in before it slid over the byline.

However, a VAR check shows it was comfortably in, and Liverpool have their two-goal advantage.

57th min: Norgaard needs treatment after a strong tackle between him and Endo, which VAR rightly deems is not worth a second look from the referee.

Fortunately for the visitors, he is okay to continue. 

50th min: Jensen has a pop with a free-kick at the edge of the Liverpool box and forces Alisson to tip over the bar.

The hosts defend the subsequent corner. 

46th min: A change at the break for Brentford, with Janelt replaced by Onyeka.

45th min (+4): A big chance for Liverpool as Alexander-Arnold dinks a beauty over the top for Salah, but he blasts it over the bar on his right foot.

45th min: Liverpool fans haven’t been particularly happy with referee Paul Tierney’s performance so far here, but a free-kick award in the hosts’ favour as the Kop chanting, “We love you Tierney, we do.”

Very good.

That’s a wonderful goal from the hosts. Alexander-Arnold fires a ball through the lines to Nunez, who controls and turns before slipping in Salah on the right-hand side of the box.

The Egyptian is well onside and takes a touch before firing a trademark finish into the far post.

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38th min: Matip goes into the book for clipping Norgaard as Brentford look to counter but replays show the defender clearly winning the ball before being run into.

That’s a harsh one.

32nd min: Huge chance for Brentford!

Mbeumo gets away one-v-one thanks to a glorious touch on a pass over the top but can’t beat Alisson with an attempted dinked finish – that’s a big save from the Liverpool goalkeeper.

31st min: Two bookings in quick succession for Brentford, Norgaard for stopping a quick counter with his hand and Ajer for legging up Jota. 

Liverpool vs Brentford final score, result and highlights as Mohamed Salah double sees off Bees