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.

Keith Andrews masterminds an almost perfect performance

Brentford’s choice to appoint Keith Andrews as successor to Thomas Frank in June was greeted with scepticism in some circles, yet he has swiftly earned both credit and respect as his side embarks on a new chapter.

The 2-0 win at West Ham on Monday hardly told the full story of their dominance, and this latest triumph over the fading champions follows a similar pattern.

The scoreline may have suggested a tighter contest, but in all other aspects this was a commanding display, with Andrews’ players making Liverpool look firmly second best.

Kayode’s long throw that led to the opening goal will draw attention, but it was just one element of a rounded and disciplined team performance.

Brentford parted company with key figures Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard in the summer, yet the arrivals of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, along with Outarra and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, are proving shrewd moves.

Brazilian forward Thiago continues to impress as the focal point of the attack, scoring his sixth league goal of the season, while Damsgaard’s pass for Schade’s finish was of the finest quality.

Frank’s transformative impact on the club will always be remembered, but Andrews has already underlined his credentials with an assured and highly promising start to his managerial career.