Liverpool staged a second-half fightback to come from behind and beat nine-man Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Previously unbeaten Brentford paid a heavy price for the red card given to Yehor Yarmoliuk in first-half added time for a “headbutting action” – in the words of referee John Brooks – on Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet.
Keith Andrews’ side were a goal up through Keane Lewis-Potter’s superb 44th-minute header, and in control, when Yarmoliuk was dismissed – but Liverpool made the most of their numerical advantage to launch a comeback after the break.
Spain winger Victor Munoz scored a fine equaliser after 62 minutes, cutting inside to beat Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a left-foot finish after he was released by Florian Wirtz’s pass.
Alexander Isak added the second eight minutes later with a clinical strike for his fifth goal of the season, after Bradley Barcola headed down Alexis Mac Allister’s cross.
Brentford’s day of frustration was complete when they were reduced to nine men in stoppage time – Vitaly Janelt shown a second yellow card for a foul on Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha.
Brentford analysis: Bees punished for Yarmoliuk recklessness
Brentford manager Keith Andrews will have been satisfied with his side’s performance and effort, but it was all undermined by one moment of ill-discipline from their Ukraine midfielder Yarmoliuk.
The Bees had been relatively untroubled and deservedly led through Lewis-Potter’s header, but were facing an uphill struggle once they were at a numerical disadvantage after Yarmoliuk tangled with Jacquet as they waited for a corner to be taken.
It came at a crucial time, giving lacklustre Liverpool the opening it always seemed inevitable they would take.
Once Liverpool drew level Brentford were fighting a rearguard action rather than taking the game to Liverpool, as they had done in the opening half.
Brentford continued to battle against the odds, but ultimately Yarmoliuk’s red card left them with too much to do.
Liverpool analysis: Isak is Iraola’s away-day specialist
Isak’s languid style often sees him operating on the margins of games, but his habit of coming alive in the penalty area is proving vital for Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
And Isak is proving particularly valuable to Liverpool on their travels, after scoring twice in the 2-0 victory at Ipswich Town, the winner at Bournemouth and now the strike at Brentford that proved decisive.
It was classic Isak, having been virtually anonymous previously, as he pounced on Barcola’s header eight minutes after Munoz’s equaliser.
Isak has become Brentford’s regular tormentor, scoring in all five of his Premier League appearances against Brentford, with a total of five goals.
Iraola will be delighted and relieved, especially after losing Dominik Szoboszlai to what looked like a recurrence of his hamstring injury in the first half, then Jeremie Frimpong only seven minutes after coming on as a substitute at the start of the second half.
Liverpool were not fluent, but results are all-important for Iraola as he begins his reign and this was an important win.