DARWIN Nunez struck twice in stoppage time to earn Liverpool a 2-0 win at Brentford and a six-point Premier League lead over Arsenal, who blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Liverpool looked set to drop points for the third consecutive league game until the much-maligned Uruguayan doubled his tally of Premier League goals for the season in the dying seconds in west London.
Nunez swept home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross before smashing in a second for a vital twist in the title race.
Liverpool had been wasteful in front of goal in a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest in midweek and Arne Slot’s men nearly let another two points slip away.
On a rare quiet day for Mohamed Salah, Slot was forced to turn to Nunez to make an impact off the bench and he duly delivered.
The 25-year-old had not scored in the league since November but was in the right place to finish after a neat one-two between Harvey Elliott and Alexander-Arnold.
Substitute Elliott was the creator for the second, feeding Nunez to cut inside and fire past Mark Flekken.
“As a striker you get judged on goals, especially at a club like Liverpool,” said the Reds’ captain Virgil van Dijk. “Today he put his mark on the game.”
Liverpool also have a game in hand over injury-hit Arsenal, whose title challenge faltered once more at the Emirates.
Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners a deserved first-half lead when Emi Martinez failed to prevent his effort from crossing the line.
It was a similar story for Arsenal’s second as Martinez got a touch to Kai Havertz’s shot but could not keep it out.
Just when Mikel Arteta’s men seemed to be cruising, Villa hit back through Youri Tielemans’ header.
The Belgian midfielder then hit the post with the chance to level for Villa seconds later.
The visitors did equalise 22 minutes from time when Ollie Watkins cushioned in Matty Cash’s cross off the underside of the crossbar.
Arsenal thought they had a late winner but Mikel Merino’s effort deflected in off Havertz’s hand and the goal was ruled out by a VAR review.