Brentford 3-2 Liverpool: Slot calls this his worst losing streak.
Losing 2-3 away to Brentford, Liverpool extended their run of four consecutive defeats in the Premier League. VAR awarded a penalty to the home side in the 65th minute; Salah scored in the 89th minute but missed.
Brentford beat Liverpool 3-2, extending Arne Slot's side's poor run of results in the Premier League to four consecutive defeats. The Dutch manager admitted it was the "worst losing streak" of his managerial career, as Brentford made full use of throw-ins, set pieces, and counter-attacks, while VAR awarded a crucial penalty in the 65th minute.
Match summary: Early opening goal, VAR decides the climax.
Just days after their 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, Liverpool returned to the domestic league hoping to turn their form around. But in the 5th minute, the home team opened the scoring, putting Slot's side in a chasing position.
In the 45th minute, Kevin Schade scored to extend Brentford's lead to 2-0. Liverpool managed to pull one back at the end of the first half, rekindling hope for the second half.
The game took a turn for the worse for the visitors in the 65th minute: after consulting VAR, the referee awarded Brentford a penalty, which Igor Thiago successfully converted, extending their lead to 3-1. Mohamed Salah – returning to the starting lineup after being a substitute midweek – scored in the 89th minute, sealing the 3-2 victory, but there wasn't enough time for Liverpool to equalize.
Key moments
- 5th minute: The home team opens the scoring, taking an early advantage.
- 45th minute: Kevin Schade makes it 2-0 for Brentford.
- End of first half: Liverpool reduce the deficit to 1-2.
- 65th minute: VAR confirms the incident in the penalty area, Brentford are awarded a penalty; Igor Thiago scores to make it 3-1.
- 89th minute: Mohamed Salah reduces the deficit to 2-3.
Tactical analysis: Brentford exploit set pieces and transition play.
Brentford's key lay in what manager Arne Slot pointed out: throw-ins, set pieces, and counter-attacks. From the early opening goal, the home side brought the tempo back to their tactical "home turf": maximizing static play and transitions to exploit Liverpool's high defensive structure.
After the break, VAR became the turning point when it confirmed the play in the penalty area that led to the penalty in the 65th minute. That situation not only restored Liverpool's two-goal lead but also forced them to take more risks, leaving more space behind their midfield. Although Salah scored in the 89th minute, Brentford still secured the victory thanks to their tight defense in the final minutes.
Outstanding individual role
- Kevin Schade: His goal in the 45th minute, making it 2-0, helped Brentford build momentum.
- Igor Thiago: Accurately converted the 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.
Key statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | Brentford 3-2 Liverpool |
| Liverpool's run of matches in the Premier League | 4 consecutive defeats |
| Goal scorer's minute | 5; 45; 65 (penalty, VAR); 89 |
| A remarkable goal | Kevin Schade (45), Igor Thiago (65, penalty), Mohamed Salah (89) |
| Liverpool's current position | Sixth, behind Bournemouth and Manchester United |
Post-match reaction
Manager Arne Slot said: “This is one of the worst losing streaks of my coaching career. Brentford made excellent use of throw-ins, set pieces and counter-attacks.”
Regarding the 65th-minute penalty, he said: “If you compare both situations – the goal we conceded and Cody being fouled in the penalty area – then if a penalty had been awarded, it should have been Liverpool's. VAR ruled it was inside the penalty area and turned it into a penalty. It was a very minor penalty, but that can't be used as an excuse.”
Impact and prospects
This defeat sees Liverpool drop to sixth place, amidst increasing pressure in the title race. The 3-2 draw at Brentford accurately reflects what manager Slot admitted: defensive links are still unstable against set pieces and counter-attacks, along with a lack of control in crucial moments (at the beginning and end of the half).
Looking ahead, Liverpool's priorities are to end their losing streak in the Premier League, translate the momentum from the Champions League (5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt) into domestic success, and tighten discipline in the penalty area to avoid making things difficult for themselves due to VAR decisions.
