Liverpool fans say another player alongside Darwin Nunez deserves more opportunities after win over Brentford
Today at 01:15 PM
Liverpool have gone seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table after their dramatic late win over Brentford on Saturday.
The Reds had registered 35 shots by the time the clock at the Gtech Community Stadium ticked towards injury time, but were yet to score.
Then, substitute Darwin Nunez popped up with two crucial goals to ensure Liverpool would leave London with all three points.
Although Nunez had his moment in the spotlight – and rightly so – some Liverpool fans were eager to pay homage to another player on the fringes of the squad.
Liverpool fans want to see Harvey Elliott play more
The player in question is Harvey Elliott, who made a big impact when he came off the bench in the 80th minute of the game.
Elliott was involved in the build-up for both goals, setting up Trent Alexander-Arnold to assist Nunez for the opener before assisting the Uruguayan directly for the second.
| Minutes played | 10′ |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.18 |
| Touches | 8 |
| Accurate passes | 6/8 (75%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Crosses (acc.) | 0 (0) |
| Long balls (acc.) | 1 (0) |
| Big chances created | 1 |
“Darwin Nunez will get the headlines and rightly so, but Harvey Elliott also made a massive impact off the bench,” wrote one fan. “Played a big part in both goals.
“Elliott has been under-played so far this season. Deserves more opportunities.”
Another said: “Slot’s gotta play Elliott from now on. Set up Trent to assist Nunez for the 1st goal and Nunez for the 2nd.
“Maybe we would have won if he played against Forest. Trust him Slot.”
The praise for Elliott kept coming, with one supporter saying: “I really, really hope Slot uses Elliott more in the second half of the season.
“Instrumental in both goals and helping to change the game when it was starting to look destined to be one of those days.
“Also pretty sure that no one loves this football club more than he does.”
Another wrote: “Nunez will obviously get the headlines but good to see Harvey Elliott involved in the build-up to both goals.
“He’s had a difficult season but can be a really important player for us in the second half of the season.”
Another said: “Harvey Elliott changing the game once again when he came on with a pre assist, lovely little ball to Trent and an assist for the second goal.
“Really don't get why Slot isn't giving him more game time. He brings that creativity that is lacking at the moment.”
What Arne Slot has said about Elliott’s lack of game time
Elliott has started just two games this season, both in the domestic cups, and is yet to start a Premier League game this term.
Due to this lack of game time, Elliott has been linked with the likes of Brighton and Borussia Dortmund.
Arne Slot, speaking at his pre-Brentford press conference, was asked about this, and he replied: “The last thing you asked (Elliott’s game-time) is completely sure,.
“It would be weird if he would come to me and say: ‘I’m so happy with the playing time I have at the moment’. But the first thing you ask me (transfer speculation) is the same answer every single time.
“We don’t talk about rumours where people talk about players who are in contract talks or if we are linked with players or our players are linked with other clubs.
“That he wants to play more he should because if he was happy with his current situation that would be the wrong thing.
“But every single day he is working as hard as he can. But like Federico [Chiesa] – because many people ask about him, who is in competition with Mo Salah – Harvey is in competition with four or five very good midfielders, you may agree with me or not.”
