Brentford 3-2 Liverpool: Slot calls this the worst losing streak
Losing 2-3 at Brentford, Liverpool extended their streak of 4 consecutive defeats in the Premier League. VAR determined a penalty in the 65th minute for the home team; Salah scored in the 89th minute but was too late.
Brentford beat Liverpool 3-2, extending Arne Slot’s poor run of results in the Premier League to four straight defeats. The Dutchman admitted it was the “worst losing streak” of his managerial career, as Brentford made the most of throw-ins, dead balls and counter-attacks, with VAR awarding a crucial penalty in the 65th minute.
Match developments: Early opening goal, VAR decides the climax
Just days after a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, Liverpool returned to the domestic league hoping to turn things around. But in the 5th minute, the home team opened the scoring, putting Slot's team in a chase.
In the 45th minute, Kevin Schade finished to increase the score to 2-0 for Brentford. Liverpool managed to reduce the score to 1-2 at the end of the first half, rekindling hope for the second half.
The game turned against the visitors in the 65th minute: after consulting VAR, the referee awarded Brentford a penalty, which Igor Thiago converted, making it 3-1. Mohamed Salah – returning to the starting line-up after being benched midweek – scored in the 89th minute, ending the match at 3-2, but there was not enough time for Liverpool to equalize.
Key moments
- Minute 5: The home team opened the score, creating an early advantage.
- Minute 45: Kevin Schade makes it 2-0 for Brentford.
- End of first half: Liverpool shortened 1-2.
- Minute 65: VAR determined the situation in the penalty area, Brentford was awarded a penalty; Igor Thiago scored 3-1.
- Minute 89: Mohamed Salah shortens the score to 2-3.
Tactical analysis: Brentford exploit dead balls and transitions
The key to Brentford’s success came from what manager Arne Slot pointed out: throw-ins, set-pieces and counter-attacks. From the early opener, the home side brought the tempo back to their tactical “home”: maximising static play and transitions to attack Liverpool’s defensive structure when they were pushing high.
After the break, VAR proved to be the turning point when it confirmed a foul in the box that led to a penalty in the 65th minute. That not only restored the two-goal lead but also forced Liverpool to take more risks, exposing more space behind the midfield. Despite Salah's contribution in the 89th minute, Brentford still secured the win thanks to a solid defensive block at the end of the match.
Outstanding individual role
- Kevin Schade: The goal to make it 2-0 in the 45th minute helped Brentford strengthen their psychological momentum.
- Igor Thiago: Accurately took the 11m penalty after VAR in the 65th minute, making the decisive difference.
- Mohamed Salah: Returned to the starting lineup and ended his goalless streak with an 89th-minute goal.
Important statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | Brentford 3-2 Liverpool |
| Liverpool's run in the Premier League | 4 consecutive failures |
| Minute of scoring | 5; 45; 65 (penalty, VAR); 89 |
| Notable goals | Kevin Schade (45), Igor Thiago (65, penalty), Mohamed Salah (89) |
| Liverpool's current position | 6th, behind Bournemouth and Manchester United |
Post-match reactions
“This is one of the worst losing streaks of my coaching career,” said coach Arne Slot. “Brentford are very good at using throw-ins, set-pieces and counter-attacks.”
Regarding the penalty in the 65th minute, he said: “If you compare the two situations – the one we conceded and the one where Cody was brought down in the box – if there was a penalty, it should have been Liverpool’s. VAR said it was in the box and it turned into a penalty. It was a very soft penalty, but that cannot be used as an excuse.”
Impact and prospects
This defeat has left Liverpool in sixth place, amid mounting pressure to win the title. The 3-2 draw at Brentford reflects exactly what coach Slot has admitted: the defensive links are not stable against dead balls and counter-attacks, and the ability to control sensitive moments (early and late in the half).
Moving forward, Liverpool's priority is to stop the losing streak in the Premier League, convert the momentum from the Champions League (beat Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1) into domestic efficiency, and tighten discipline in the penalty area so as not to "make things difficult for themselves" with VAR decisions.
