Brentford Beat Liverpool 3-2 As Defensive Issues Return | OneFootball

Brentford 3-2 Liverpool: Champions Struggle Again

Brentford delivered another setback to Liverpool with a deserved 3-2 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Premier League champions arrived with renewed hope following their midweek win in Europe, however the frailties that have followed Arne Slot’s side throughout this campaign resurfaced. Brentford were sharper, hungrier and clearer in their purpose, and Liverpool paid the price.

Photo: IMAGO

Early Blow And Brentford Control

Liverpool needed a platform to build on the confidence gained from defeating Eintracht Frankfurt, yet they fell behind inside five minutes. A long throw from Michael Kayode exposed Liverpool’s defence, and Dango Ouatarra reacted quickest to Kristoffer Ajer’s flick. The early breakthrough energised Brentford, who pressed intelligently and moved the ball with purpose.

Their second goal shortly before half time felt inevitable. Mikkel Damsgaard threaded a superb pass through Liverpool’s disjointed lines, and Kevin Schade raced clear before finishing confidently beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili. At 2-0 the home supporters sensed a statement victory.

Reaction Required And Brief Hope

Liverpool were handed a lifeline in added time at the end of the first half. Milos Kerkez, who had endured a difficult evening defensively, surged into the box and found the net to reduce the deficit. It offered the travelling fans brief optimism, yet it did not transform the contest. Brentford resumed control after the interval, keeping Liverpool penned back and uncomfortable.

The hosts regained their two goal cushion on the hour. A VAR review judged that Virgil van Dijk had fouled Ouatarra on the line of the penalty area. The decision brought frustration from the Liverpool captain, but Igor Thiago remained calm to convert from the spot.

Photo: IMAGO

Late Push Falls Short Again

Mohamed Salah struck late on to bring the scoreline to 3-2, setting up a tense finish, yet Liverpool lacked the clarity of thought and precision required to salvage a result. Too many moves were hurried, too many passes went astray and Brentford’s organisation held firm.

This setback leaves Liverpool in sixth place, four points off leaders Arsenal. Brentford rise to tenth, a reflection of their intelligent approach and fourth league win of the season. For Slot, the concern will be familiar. Structural issues in defence, a midfield that can be bypassed too easily and a forward line that lacks sustained control continue to cost Liverpool in key moments. Improvement is required quickly, particularly with pressure increasing and rivals gaining momentum.

The away side had hoped their Champions League success would act as a turning point. Instead it highlighted the contrast between one good night in Europe and the consistency required each weekend in the Premier League. This 3-2 defeat at Brentford underlines how far Liverpool must climb to restore authority and belief.