Liverpool’s struggles deepened as they slumped to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, outplayed and outfought by a relentless Brentford side. Arne Slot’s team looked fragile throughout, unable to cope with Brentford’s pace, pressing, and direct play in a 3-2 loss that flattered the visitors.
Brentford struck early through Dango Ouattara, who volleyed home after Kristoffer Ajer flicked on one of Michael Kayode’s trademark long throws. The hosts continued to exploit Liverpool’s shaky back line, with Kevin Schade’s speed repeatedly troubling Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté. Their dominance was rewarded again just before half-time when Mikkel Damsgaard slipped Schade through to double the lead.
Liverpool briefly found hope when Milos Kerkez converted a Bradley cross in stoppage time, but Brentford restored control in the second half. A foul by Virgil van Dijk on Ouattara led to a penalty that Igor Thiago calmly dispatched to make it 3-1.
Slot’s late attacking changes, including Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz, failed to turn the tide. Wirtz, still goalless after his £116m move, endured another frustrating night, while Salah remained quiet until the final minute, when he lashed in a consolation goal off the bar.
Despite a tense finish, Brentford comfortably held on, securing a deserved victory. Liverpool, meanwhile, are mired in their worst league run since 2021, with defensive frailty and poor form from key players leaving Slot under mounting pressure.
