Alexander Isak was the match-winner once again for Liverpool on Saturday as he pounced to give the Reds victory against Brentford.

The Swede had not been expected to play at all having missed the last two matches with a thigh problem, but after delivering a quiet 69-minute display, Isak showed up in the 70th to win the match.

Isak wanted more control from Liverpool

Until Vitaly Janelt was sent off in the second minute of time added on, it really still felt as though Liverpool could lose this game.

Though they really should have killed it off through Bradley Barcola, they left themselves open to a spirited Brentford side nicking one back. As Isak told Sky Sports after the game, there was really no need for the game to turn so tense for Liverpool, but he conceded that if he were still on the pitch, he also would have been looking for more goals.

“When they go a man down and they protect their goal a bit more, there’s not much space to play. You’ve got to be ready for when your chance pops up,” he said.

“Us from the bench were screaming for the team to keep the ball and just play out the game. It’s different from the side. Myself, if I saw a great opportunity I probably would have wanted to score. Maybe in those situations we just have to be a bit more safe.”

Steve McManaman has been critical of Liverpool’s performance at the Gtech Community Stadium, and despite the win, Isak said he agrees that there is plenty that the team can improve upon. Nevertheless, he was delighted with a big three points for the Reds regardless.

“I think there’s still lots to improve,” he said. “We’re taking steps and we’re grabbing points on the way which is important. It’s a tough place to come so three points is really good.”