Liverpool suffered another damaging defeat, soundly beaten 3-2 by Brentford on a woeful night for boss Arne Slot at the Gtech Stadium. Once again defensive frailties were exposed and key players failed to perform for the champions, the defeat means the Reds have slipped four points behind league leaders Arsenal in sixth place and have played a game more.
Liverpool were behind inside five minutes after Brentford’s long-ball routine did the damage once again, the ball was flicked on at the near post and Dango Ouattara fired home from six yards out. And on the stroke of half-time the Bees doubled their lead, courtesy of a defence-splitting pass from Mikkel Damsgaard which found Kevin Schade running from his own half to fire a cool finish past Giorgio Marmadashvili.
But there was controversy in time added on after Milos Kerkez clawed a goal back for the Reds, which was scored in the 50th minute, when referee Simon Hooper had indicated there would be only a minimum of three to play. Hooper then failed to come out for the second-half after suffering a hamstring injury and was replaced by Tim Robinson.
Brentford re-established their two goal cushion after Robinson initially called for a free-kick on the edge of the box, but VAR intervened after Virgil van Dijk’s challenge on Ouatarra was adjudged to have been on the line of the penalty area and Igor Thiago swept the penalty home.
Mohamed Salah, had another poor game, but fired home a stunning goal very late in the game, but couldn't deny the Bees a deserved win which moves them up into tenth place in the Premier League.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Gtech Community Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Giorgio Mamardashvili (5/10):
Standing in once again for the injured Alisson, he made a stunning save from Damsgaard late in the first half and could do nothing about either of Brentford goals in the first-half – or the penalty in the second. Still awaiting his first clean sheet for the Reds this season.
Conor Bradley (5/10):
Given the nod in place of the injured Jeremie Frimpong and provided his usual energy on the flank. And it was his dangerous cross which found its way through to Kerkez for Liverpool'sgoal in the first-half. Taken off on the hour.
Ibrahima Konate (4/10):
Scored against Eintracht Frankfurt and was a commanding presence in central defence. But was well beaten for pace by Schade for Brentford's second goal.
Virgil van Dijk (5/10):
Pulled the squad together for a clear the air meeting after defeat by Man United and while he got the required reaction in Germany, this performance was as bad as anything the Reds have delivered all season. Will consider himself hard done by after conceding the penalty early in the second-half.
Milos Kerkez (5/10):
Back in the starting XI and had a very lively first-half, he was booked for a clumsy challenge, but then fired Liverpool back into the match after netting from close range. Was also guilty of panicking at the back and looked shaky at times.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Curtis Jones (5/10):
Had his hands full all evening and spent all of it in defensive positions, trying to stem the flow of Brentford's attacks. Was taken off in the 70th minute with what looked like a knock – another injury Slot could really do without.
Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10):
The midfielder was impactful midweek in the Champions League, but struggled to match Brentford's intensity. Showed some neat touches and never gave up running, but failed to make an major impact on the match.
Florian Wirtz (5/10):
The big-money summer signing recently impressed with two assists in the Champions League win, but will be disappointed he didn't equalise from ten yards out, but fired agonisingly wide. Question marks remain as he failed to match the game's intensity and occassionaly looked like a passenger.
AFPAttack
Mohamed Salah (5/10):
After a week of high drama Salah returned to the starting line-up after being benched, hoping to end a dip in his usual prolific goalscoring form. But seemed to be tense in the early stages and lacking his usual composure. Was once again way of his imperious best and can't complain if he finds himself among the substitutes in the coming weeks. Took his goal fabulously well, but it was a consolation in the end.
Cody Gakpo (4/10):
Was relatively subdued for most of the match, symptomatic of Liverpool's struggles at the Gtech, and in recent weeks. Was another player who'll need to take a long look at his performance and know he'll need to give more for the cause.
Hugo Ekitike (5/10):
Led the attack with Alexander Isak recovering from injury, he scored midweek against his former club but failed to make the most of his big chance in west London – which wasn't entirely his fault as Liverpool laboured to create chances for him.
AFPSubs & Manager
Alexis Mac Aliister (5/10):
Was given half an hour to make an impact after watching his side struggle to create clear-cut chances, but wasn't able to influence the match in dangerous areas for the Reds.
Federico Chiesa (5/10):
No significant impact after coming on with 30 minutes remaining. The bit-part player role doesn't seem to suit a player who thrives off confidence.
Andy Robertson (5/10):
Brought on as Slot rang the changes, played high as Liverpool pressed for an equaliser. Will likely start the next match after the shaky performance from Kerkez.
Rio Ngumoha (6/10):
Brought on to replace the injured Jones in the 70th minute and was a real live wire, but no significant impact.
Joe Gomez (N/A):
Brought on to replace Wirtz, so Szoboszlai could move up into midfield. Not on long enough to influence the match.
Arne Slot (4/10):
Will be hugely disappointed with the performance, coming so soon after the commanding win in the Champions League. But this is now really worrying time for the Dutchman, too many of his key players look bereft of confidence and the porous defence needs immediate work. His in-try will be overflowing tomorrow morning.