Brentford 3-2 Liverpool: Champions Slip to Fourth Straight Defeat

Liverpool’s Premier League slump deepened as Brentford earned a stunning 3-2 victory over the reigning champions at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Reds were once again undone by poor defending, marking their fourth consecutive league defeat — their worst run since February 2021.

Brentford took control early when Michael Kayode’s long throw was flicked on by Kristoffer Ajer, allowing Dango Ouattara to finish smartly at the back post. Despite Liverpool creating a few chances through Florian Wirtz, it was the hosts who looked sharper, and their dominance paid off before halftime. Hugo Ekitike’s sloppy pass in midfield led to Mikkel Damsgaard threading a perfect through ball to Kevin Schade, who outpaced Ibrahima Konate and doubled Brentford’s lead.

Liverpool did manage a controversial lifeline just before the break, as Milos Kerkez scored deep into first-half stoppage time. However, the Reds’ comeback hopes were short-lived. Early in the second half, VAR intervened to award Brentford a penalty after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ouattara. Igor Thiago coolly converted from the spot to restore the two-goal cushion.

Arne Slot’s substitutions — bringing on Federico Chiesa, Andy Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister — injected some energy, but Liverpool continued to struggle defensively. Mohamed Salah offered late hope with a brilliant volley that clipped the underside of the bar, but it wasn’t enough as Brentford held firm.

The defeat leaves Liverpool sixth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal. Brentford, led by Keith Andrews, claimed a second major scalp in a row and showed remarkable composure after conceding late in the first half.

Arne Slot admitted post-match that his side are “still searching for answers,” adding that Liverpool’s defensive fragility and summer squad changes have disrupted their rhythm. Meanwhile, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, now with Brentford, praised his team’s togetherness and tactical discipline, calling it a “deserved win against a world-class opponent.”