Securing a victory against Brentford elevated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to the second spot in the Premier League, prompting spirited debates among supporters about the implications for the upcoming season. In the aftermath of dropping points against Luton and suffering a loss to Toulouse, the Reds were in need of a rebound against Brentford, and they delivered just that. The team showcased significantly enhanced performances, culminating in a convincing 3-0 triumph, providing ample talking points for fans to delve into after the game.

In this discussion, Sam Millne (@sam_millne) and Liverpool supporter Oliver Fletcher (@olfle_9) delve into topics surrounding Liverpool’s recent victory against Brentford, Cody Gakpo’s performance and his potential role, as well as the identification of potential title rivals.

Relief with a win, but did you expect the victory?

Sam expressed that if this fixture had occurred a few weeks earlier, confidence would have been higher. However, due to the numerous absentees, there was a palpable sense of tension at Anfield. Fortunately, the Reds managed to restore faith with a professional performance, providing reassurance ahead of the upcoming trip to the Etihad.

Ollie acknowledged Brentford’s reputation as a challenging side to overcome, given their impressive performance since entering the Premier League. Despite missing Ivan Toney, they still presented a formidable challenge, making the secured three points crucial for Liverpool.

Wataru Endo divides opinion. How have you rated him?

Ollie expressed that, like many fans, he was unfamiliar with Wataru Endo when Liverpool signed him. Considering the price paid, he refrained from harsh criticism, noting that Endo may not be a game-changing player the team can rely on. Ollie views him as a useful squad player, particularly against lower-ranked teams when resting or unavailable players, but he believes Liverpool should aim for players with a more impactful presence.

Sam acknowledged Endo’s arrival in a turbulent period, with Liverpool frequently dealing with player shortages. This situation placed additional pressure on him as the holding midfielder. Sam sees potential in Endo as a valuable squad player who keeps the ball moving swiftly and possesses a clever passing ability. However, in agreement with Ollie, Sam doesn’t view Endo as the Fabinho replacement sought during the summer transfer window.

Gakpo improved in the second half, do you think he can be a longer-term option in midfield?

Ollie, expressing his enthusiasm as a devoted Liverpool fan and a keen follower of PSV, revealed his excitement when Gakpo was signed. Having watched Gakpo frequently play out wide on the left for PSV, Ollie believes that Liverpool hasn’t utilized him in that position enough, which could be hindering Gakpo’s optimal performance. While acknowledging the importance of Gakpo’s height in the midfield three, Ollie feels that playing him there is somewhat wasteful, considering it’s an unfamiliar role for him. Ollie would prefer to see Gakpo in the front three.

Sam shares a similar perspective, noting that Gakpo possesses attributes suitable for an attacking midfielder but lacks the defensive prowess to play there consistently. Initially considered a replacement for Roberto Firmino, Gakpo demonstrated potential in the false-nine position. However, Sam observes a shift away from that role since the summer, cautioning against Gakpo becoming overly versatile. Despite this, Sam recognizes Gakpo as a quality player who contributes goals.

How do you feel about the season in general so far?

Sam reflects on the significance of Liverpool’s win over Brentford, considering it as a pivotal moment in shaping supporters’ expectations. He notes that more dropped points would have intensified the feeling of inconsistency, but the victory has brought a sense of optimism. Sam suggests that with improved away form, Liverpool could potentially launch an unexpected title challenge earlier than anticipated.

Ollie expresses his positive outlook for the season, having had a good feeling about Liverpool’s success from the start. He highlights the excitement around the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, describing him as a “machine” and a player the team has needed. While acknowledging the fantastic start, Ollie remains cautious not to get too excited, citing the potential challenges posed by injuries, as seen with other teams like Tottenham. Ollie recognizes the competitiveness of challenging for the title against relentless teams like Man City but acknowledges that, overall, things are looking good for Liverpool so far.