Have Liverpool just delivered a game-changing moment in the title race?

Just when it seemed doubts were creeping into the minds of fans regarding their Premier League-winning capabilities, the beleaguered Darwin Nunez stepped up to score twice in a crucial 2-0 victory over Brentford, providing a resounding answer to critics.

The timing couldn’t be more pivotal, particularly as hours later, title contenders Arsenal spectacularly squandered a two-goal lead, ending 2-2 against Aston Villa. This puts Liverpool a daunting six points ahead of the second-placed Gunners, with a game in hand!

"Arne Slot said in the week that he couldn't get Darwin Nunez firing. What an important goal that could be for Liverpool," Chris Sutton remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He's not going to miss those opportunities. That’s how you win titles: fighting until the end and seizing your chances."

After disappointing draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, facing Brentford—renowned for having the third-best home record in the league—was expected to be a true test of Liverpool's character. The Reds fired a staggering 37 shots but found it challenging to pierce through Brentford’s defense until the 91st minute. Nunez finally broke the deadlock by converting from close range, and sealed the victory with a second goal just two minutes later.

Brentford's recent home encounters illustrate the enormity of Liverpool's win: they initially lost 3-1 to Arsenal, managed to draw 2-2 with Manchester City despite trailing, and finally fell to Liverpool's late surge. Brentford manager Thomas Frank acknowledged the difference, stating, "For me they're a level above the two teams. They're complete. Their work ethic and the way they track back are all signs of their quality."

He further hailed Liverpool as the best team in both the Premier League and the world, emphasizing their status as the favorites for the title.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy chimed in on BBC Match of the Day, saying, "They played like a team with something to prove. Any talk of Liverpool having a blip is firmly put to bed."

Ex-Wales center-back Ashley Williams confidently stated, "Liverpool currently have the strongest squad, and I believe they will win the league. They are also eyeing the Champions League, and if they are victorious there, we can confidently say they are the best team in the world."

Liverpool burst out of the gate strong in August, establishing themselves as serious title contenders. However, their momentum had shown signs of faltering in recent weeks—especially after dropping four points in their last two league fixtures before facing Brentford.

Despite the precarious situation approaching the 90-minute mark, Liverpool's spirit shone through. Their triumph coincided with significant misfortunes for Arsenal, who were once riding high in the league.

The Gunners, who were celebrating Kai Havertz's goal as they led 2-0, saw everything unravel within a mere eight minutes in the second half. Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins leveled the game for Aston Villa, leading to a dejected Arsenal crowd after a last-minute disallowed goal confirmed their drop from the title race pace.

Arsenal has now dropped a staggering 12 points from winning positions this season, a statistic not seen since the 2019-20 season.

"We were unbelievable. I’m proud of how dominant and fluid we were, and how much effort we put in," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, expressing mixed emotions of pride and disappointment.

While Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have also been considered potential threats to Liverpool's title run, Newcastle’s recent 4-1 home loss to Bournemouth has placed them further back in the standings. Nottingham Forest trails by nine points as they prepare to host basement club Southampton.

Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s standout performer this term with 18 goals in the league and 21 across all competitions. However, a recent dip in form has left him without a goal in his last three outings. In a twist, it was Nunez who reclaimed the spotlight with his late heroics.

The 25-year-old striker, who joined Liverpool for £64 million from Benfica in June 2022, scored a staggering 34 goals in the previous season. While he had only managed two goals prior to this match in the current league campaign, his impactful performance against Brentford may signal a turning point.

"He brings energy and power, and he’s always making an impact when he comes in," Slot commented on Nunez's abilities. "With matches often opening up in the last half-hour, having someone like Darwin is a tremendous asset."

As Liverpool gears up for the final stretch of the season, will Nunez's resurgence prove pivotal in their bid for the title? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this victory is just the beginning of an extraordinary championship run!