Darwin Nunez was the hero for Liverpool, scoring twice in injury time to seal a dramatic late win over Brentford to send the Reds six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool's wait for a league win in 2025 looked set to continue as Arne Slott's side wasted chance after chance – 35 to be exact.
With more points looming, it looked as if Arsenal, who ended up dropping points themselves with a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa, could have a chance to cut the deficit to two points with Brentford just minutes from a point.
However, substitute Nunez, who has scored just nine goals in the last 11 months, came to the rescue with his 36th strike of the game to break the deadlock and spark wild celebrations from the visitors.
The Uruguay international was often criticized for being wasteful in front of goal, but he got his side out of trouble, adding a second just before the full-time whistle to secure what could be a crucial win in Liverpool's title bid.
Van Dijk on Nunez's contribution: 'We need everyone at their best'
Liverpool's Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring his team's second goal (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was full of praise for Nunez's contribution and urged his side to push on as they chase Premier League glory.
“Darwin has been bringing a lot of energy since the day he arrived,” Van Dijk said. “As a striker, you are judged by goals. It may be harder than ever. He works and studies hard.
“You have to earn these things. He left his mark on the game. We need everyone at their best. Today was his day.
On the title race, Van Dijk added: “Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep going.”
This shows his quality and how important he is to this team.
It was a cruel blow for Brentford, who arguably had the best chance of the first half in the fifth minute when Bryan Mbeumo slid in Mads Roerslev in the overlap. The full-back crossed the ball across the penalty area for Mikkel Damsgaard, who couldn't find the finishing touch from close range.
Brentford's threat continued to come from the in-form Mbeum, who twice beat Kostas Tsimikas before firing straight at Reds keeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool's dominance grew as the half wore on.
Domink Szoboszlai hit the top of the bar, while Cody Gakpo couldn't beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken when he slotted in after a stunning counter-attack by the league leaders.
Liverpool registered 19 shots without a goal in the first half, and their dominance continued after the break.
Chances continued to come thick and fast for Liverpool, who threw themselves at Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa and Nunez as they looked to break through.
The visitors had just eight shots on target in the match, as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah failed to bring down Flekken. Nunez even spurned a big chance of his own, heading a free kick wide.
Brentford threatened themselves on the break as Alisson denied Mbeum and Yoane Wiss, but in the end, with Arsenal looking likely to close the gap, Nunez was in the right place at the right time as Liverpool extended their lead at the top and strengthened their bid for the title.
Darwin Nunez celebrates his and Liverpool's second goal
Slot: You hope to have these moments
Liverpool boss Arne Slott was relieved to grab a late winner at the Gtech Community Stadium after failing to do so in draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks.
“During the season you hope for these moments,” he said. “A lot of moments – we could have scored a late winner against United, Forest, Fulham. Today it worked. We managed to score in the last few seconds.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Arne Slott was full of praise for Darwin Nunez after the Uruguayan duo fired Liverpool to a crucial win at Brentford.
“We were close to not getting what we deserved. The amount of chances we created was like Tuesday against Forest – a lot. We were close to going without a win. That, combined with the late winner, is what we were most happy about that.
“I don't just look at the results. We created a lot. But now it's a win, so I don't have to say I'm looking at our game. I was very happy with our performance. Brentford put up a fight. They have good players and a good game plan. It was a nice game to watch, just like every time Liverpool are on the pitch.
Frank: Liverpool level above Arsenal and Man City
Brentford boss Thomas Frank described a “complete” Liverpool as the best team in the world and heavy favorites to win the Premier League.
“I thought we played a really good game against the best team in the world at the moment,” Frank said. “We did a lot of things right. We defended well. We created opportunities, but not too many.
“We probably lacked the final edge. We had some good chances and opportunities that never became opportunities because of the last pass or touch. Their centre-backs were extremely good.
“We always try to win the game from the first minute, despite who comes here. We knew they would have a bit more ball, but we believed we could win.
“I think we've just played against City and Arsenal and now Liverpool in a short space of time. For me (Liverpool) are a level above two teams. They're complete. Their work ethic, the way they track back, are good indicators.
“They're so good all over the pitch. Such a threat going forward. They're really, really good. It's the best team in the Premier League and the world. They're big favorites to win (the title).”
Strength in depth key to Liverpool's title challenge
Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at the Gtech Community Stadium:
For a long time it looked like it wasn't going to be Liverpool's day.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold didn't have their boots on as the ball continued to flash past the target.
Darwin Nunez – hero of the hour for Liverpool – headed home a free-kick from Andy Robertson's cross before curling a horrendous shot over the bar from 30 yards as the Reds looked set for a third straight league draw to start 2025 and dropped more points in the Premier League title race.
But Nunez and Liverpool have come good in the end, and Arne Slott's ability to empty Liverpool's bench with new attacking options could be critical in their bid.
Liverpool, who were without the injured Diogo Jota, had a staggering 37 shots at Brentford – a record for an away team in the Premier League – but it was their ability to withstand that pressure with fresh legs that eventually saw them over the line.
Nunez came to the rescue on this occasion, but Harvey Elliott, who hasn't had as much playing time this season as he would have liked, also played a key role off the bench with an assist for the second.
If Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo don't get you, Nunez, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott will! And with other teams in the league struggling with injuries and depleted squads, that depth could be a key factor in Liverpool's bid to bring the title back to Anfield.