Football Review | Brentford 3 - 2 Liverpool

A memorable night for Keith Andrews and his players

Brentford deepened the gloom surrounding the Premier League champions with a fully warranted victory.

Author | Ed

Stadium | Gtech Community Stadium

A commanding Champions League win away to Eintracht Frankfurt had briefly appeared to steady Liverpool after four straight defeats, yet the optimism proved short-lived as the familiar shortcomings of Arne Slot’s side were exposed once more.

Within five minutes, Michael Kayode’s long throw caused chaos in the visiting defence, Kristoffer Ajer flicking on and Dango Ouattara pouncing to put Brentford ahead.

The home side continued to unsettle Liverpool, and their second arrived just before the interval. Mikkel Damsgaard threaded a superb pass through for Kevin Schade, who raced clear and finished confidently beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Milos Kerkez endured another uncomfortable night and it was his intervention in first-half stoppage time that briefly offered Liverpool hope. 

Another dramatic 45 minutes was to come

Brentford remained in control after the restart. Their advantage was restored on the hour following a VAR check that ruled Virgil van Dijk had fouled Ouattara on the edge of the penalty area. Igor Thiago converted from the spot and, although Mohamed Salah’s sharp finish late on introduced a hint of jeopardy, a fourth consecutive league defeat soon became reality on a sobering evening for Slot.

Liverpool sit sixth and trail leaders Arsenal by four points, with the Gunners hosting Crystal Palace on Sunday. Brentford, buoyed by a fourth victory of the campaign, climb to 10th.