After weeks of doubt, the reality is now painful for Liverpool. A fourth straight Premier League defeat has thrown any lingering optimism from the midweek Champions League win straight into the trash, as the Reds fell to a resilient and physical Brentford side.
- Brentford 3-2 Liverpool : Ouattara 5’, Schade 45’, Igor Thiago 60’ – Kerkez 45+4, Salah 88’
Could Liverpool bounce back? That was the question after their impressive European display. But against Brentford — a team notoriously difficult to break down and always dangerous on set pieces — Liverpool’s defensive frailties resurfaced in full force. Lining up again in a 4-4-2 with the Wirtz–Ekitike duo up front, Liverpool left massive gaps that the Bees exploited all afternoon.
The warning signs came early. Within minutes, Dango Ouattara opened the scoring from a long throw — a trademark Brentford move that Chelsea fans know all too well. Soon after, one precise pass from Damsgaard cut straight through Liverpool’s defense, allowing Kevin Schade to make it 2–0.
Milos Kerkez pulled one back before halftime, but Liverpool never truly showed the intent or intensity to turn the game around. Instead, they exposed themselves to counterattacks, one of which forced Van Dijk into a clumsy foul on Igor Thiago. The Brazilian converted the resulting penalty himself to restore the two-goal cushion.
Even Mohamed Salah’s late strike in the 88th minute — and an oddly generous ten minutes of added time — couldn’t save Liverpool. Brentford stood firm, earning a famous win and plunging Liverpool deeper into crisis.
Four league losses in a row — and another long, uncomfortable week awaits on Merseyside.