Liverpool player ratings vs Brentford: Mohamed Salah proves he's the only king Anfield needs

Anfield hailed its true King on Saturday as Mohamed Salah's 30th goal of the season gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Brentford to keep alive their hopes of Champions League qualification.

The Egyptian struck early on from Virgil van Dijk's nod down, his goal moving him level with Steven Gerrard in fifth on the Reds' all-time scoring list and, more importantly, putting Jurgen Klopp's side within a point of fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table.

It was not a vintage Liverpool performance by any means, but they defended firmly in a bitty second half as a robust and determined Brentford side repeatedly threatened from a series of set-pieces.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (7/10):

Did what he needed to do. Saw too much of the ball in the second half for Klopp's liking, but his work from crosses was excellent.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):

More evidence of his incredible passing ability. Should have had an assist for Nunez and stung David Raya's palms with a 20-yarder. Best player on the pitch.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

Needed to be on guard throughout against Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney. He was.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

Unselfish assist for Salah. Strange early booking, but kept his composure well in a fraught second half.

Andy Robertson (6/10):

Solid and steady before appearing to suffer a hamstring issue.

Midfield
Fabinho (7/10):

Stood up to the physical test and kept things simple.

Curtis Jones (6/10):

Repeatedly led the press from midfield in the first half. Less of that in the second 45, but a couple of lovely touches.

Attack
Mohamed Salah (7/10):

Poacher's goal to open the scoring and move level with Steven Gerrard on the Reds' all-time scoring list.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

A few nice touches in what was more a midfield role generally. Looked a little leggy in the second half and somehow didn't score from virtually on the line.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Pressed well and was a threat in the first half. Less effective, as were Liverpool, after the break.

Darwin Nunez (5/10):

Clearly short of confidence on the ball and doesn't look in tune with his team-mates at times. Still has the backing of fans despite that.

Subs & Manager
Luis Diaz (5/10):

Couldn't really get into it.

Jordan Henderson (7/10):

Made a difference immediately with his experience and nous.

Kostas Tsimikas (6/10):

On when Robertson went off. Did OK.

James Milner (N/A):

On late.

Jurgen Klopp (6/10):

His team keep digging out wins. Options were limited today. Made the right subs.