Liverpool experienced their fourth straight Premier League defeat as they were outplayed by Brentford, who secured a deserved 3-2 win.
Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade scored in the first half, while Milos Kerkez controversially netted one for the visitors in stoppage time. Despite Mohamed Salah’s late volley, Igor Thiago’s second-half penalty proved crucial for Brentford.
This marks the first time Liverpool has lost four league matches in a row since February 2021. The team has struggled defensively and has not kept a clean sheet since September 14 against Burnley, despite a summer spending spree of £446m.
Currently, Liverpool is in sixth place in the Premier League, trailing Sunderland and Manchester United, and sits four points behind leaders Arsenal, who will face Crystal Palace on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
How Liverpool Suffered Another Defeat
In just the fifth minute, Liverpool was exposed when Michael Kayode’s long throw was flicked on by Kristoffer Ajer, allowing Ouattara to coolly convert from the back.
Florian Wirtz’s quest for his first goal for Liverpool continues as he missed a prime opportunity, sending a half-volley just wide. However, Brentford dominated the first half with chances from Jordan Henderson and Ouattara, and a crucial save from Giorgi Marmardashvili from Mikkel Damsgaard’s long-range shot.
Brentford doubled their lead just before the break after a swift transition following a Liverpool penalty appeal. Damsgaard executed a brilliant pass to Schade, who finished expertly past Ibrahim Konate. The Brentford supporters were incensed when Kerkez scored for Liverpool in stoppage time, giving them hope.
After the Break
Referee Simon Hooper, replaced by Tim Robinson at halftime, awarded Brentford a penalty after reviewing a foul by Virgil van Dijk on Ouattara. Thiago calmly converted the spot-kick.
In an effort to change the game’s momentum, Brentford’s head coach made substitutions, but it was still the home side creating more openings. Liverpool managed to ignite some hope when Salah’s instinctive volley hit the underside of the crossbar but ultimately fell short, as Brentford held on for the win.
Coaches’ Reactions
Liverpool coach Arne Slot: “Teams have developed a strategy against us, and we haven’t found the right answers. Going down early complicates matters, but we are still creating chances despite our struggles. Our defensive issues involve the entire team.”
Brentford coach Keith Andrews: “After experiencing disappointment just before halftime in previous matches, we resolved to push forward in the second half. It’s vital to maintain confidence, and it was crucial to take the initiative from the start of the second half.”
Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson: “We maintained our composure and executed well against a world-class Liverpool team. Our teamwork and tactical approach led to a deserved victory.”
