Premier League champions Liverpool fall 3-2 to Brentford, marking their fourth consecutive league loss as pressure mounts on manager Arne Slot.
Brentford Stuns Liverpool to Hand Champions Fourth Consecutive Defeat
Liverpool’s title defence continues to unravel after another disheartening loss — this time a 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday night.
The defeat marks Liverpool’s fourth straight Premier League loss, their worst run since 2021, leaving manager Arne Slot searching for answers as his team’s form and confidence continue to dip.
Early Brentford Goals Set the Tone
Liverpool’s night began disastrously when Dango Ouattara fired the hosts ahead in just the fifth minute. The goal came from a trademark Brentford long throw, which caught Liverpool’s defence completely off guard.
A flick-on by Kristoffer Ajer landed perfectly for Ouattara, who acrobatically volleyed past Giorgi Mamardashvili, setting the tone for a frenetic encounter.
Despite Liverpool’s attempts to respond through Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo, the champions lacked cutting edge in the final third. Brentford doubled their lead in the 45th minute when Mikkel Damsgaard split Liverpool’s high line with a precise long ball to Kevin Schade, who coolly slotted home to make it 2-0 just before halftime.
Kerkez and Salah Goals Not Enough for Liverpool
Liverpool briefly found hope in first-half stoppage time when Milos Kerkez scored his first goal for the club, converting from Conor Bradley’s low cross.
However, any momentum gained evaporated in the second half when Virgil van Dijk clipped Ouattara inside the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, Igor Thiago stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to restore Brentford’s two-goal cushion in the 60th minute.
A late goal from Mohamed Salah in the 89th minute reignited faint hopes of a comeback. The Egyptian forward controlled a lofted ball and rifled it home to end a month-long Premier League goal drought. Despite a tense 10 minutes of stoppage time, Brentford held firm for a deserved 3-2 victory.
Slot Under Pressure as Liverpool’s Title Defence Falters
The loss piles further pressure on Arne Slot, who has now overseen three consecutive defeats in London — to Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and now Brentford.
Brentford fans mockingly chanted, “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” as the Dutchman cut a dejected figure on the touchline. While his job is reportedly safe for now, the atmosphere around Anfield is growing tense as Liverpool’s title challenge crumbles.
Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League table with 15 points, four behind leaders Arsenal, who could extend their advantage further when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Brentford Rising as Liverpool Struggles
For Brentford, this victory marks their second consecutive Premier League win, propelling them to 10th place and within touching distance of the European spots.
Manager Thomas Frank’s side once again demonstrated tactical discipline and physical dominance, exploiting Liverpool’s vulnerability to set pieces and long throws. Brentford’s direct play and relentless pressing unsettled Liverpool’s back line throughout the match.
Match Statistics
- Final Score: Brentford 3–2 Liverpool
- Scorers: Ouattara (5’), Schade (45’), Thiago (60’ pen); Kerkez (45+5’), Salah (89’)
- Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
- Possession: Liverpool 63% – Brentford 37%
- Shots on Target: Liverpool 7 – Brentford 5
- Corners: Liverpool 6 – Brentford 3
- Fouls: Liverpool 10 – Brentford 12
What’s Next for Liverpool and Brentford
Liverpool will aim to halt their losing streak when they face Nottingham Forest at Anfield next weekend — a must-win fixture if they hope to stay in the title race.
Brentford, on the other hand, will look to extend their winning run as they travel to face West Ham United, buoyed by growing confidence and momentum.
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