Liverpool FC’s nosedive in the Premier League continues: The Reds suffered a surprise 2-3 defeat to Brentford FC on Saturday evening.
Liverpool FC had racked up four defeats in a row before their Champions League away game in Frankfurt, with the 5-1 win intended to mark a turnaround. But the Reds had been warned about Brentford, who had recently beaten Manchester United 3-1 at home. With Wirtz starting the game – he had come off the bench in Frankfurt – the reigning champions were determined to get back on track in the Premier League. However, the first cold shower was not long in coming: Kayode hurled a throw-in into the five-meter area, where Ajer won the aerial duel with Ekitiké and Ouattara coolly slotted home at the far post (5th minute).
The visitors had to shake themselves up, but could have equalized through Salah. However, the Egyptian’s shot bounced off former LFC keeper Kelleher – a symbol of his recent weeks (10′). Ten minutes later, Wirtz came even closer, starting strongly and shooting centimeters wide of the left post after Ekitiké’s blocked backheel (20′).
Reds vehemently demand penalty
Brentford retreated more and more, hoping to capitalize on their counterattacking strength. And that’s exactly what happened: six minutes after Damsgaard’s thunderous long-range shot, the Dane sent Schade on his way, and the German international was too fast for Konaté and scored to make it 2-0 (45′).
Seconds later, the visitors’ fans demanded a penalty, but after Wirtz’s backheel, there was no penalty for Ajer’s challenge on Gakpo (45+1). The visitors still managed to pull one back before the break: Bradley’s cross slipped through to the far post, where Kerkez coolly slotted home from five yards out (45+5).
After the break, Liverpool were under pressure, but Brentford were the more dangerous team. Igor Thiago and Damsgaard tested Mamardashvili (54, 55).
And then there was a penalty for the hosts: after consulting VAR, referee Simon Hooper pointed to the spot because van Dijk brought down Ouattara on the edge of the box – he had initially awarded a free kick. Striker Igor Thiago made no mistake with the big chance (60′).
Salah’s great goal worthless
After going 1-3 down, Slot reacted and brought on three new players: Robertson, Chiesa and Mac Allister. Immediately, there was a great chance to pull one back, but former Mainz player van den Berg cleared with a monster tackle against Salah (64′).
Anyone expecting fireworks was disappointed. Brentford defended their lead passionately and didn’t allow the Reds to get much of a foothold at first. Salah’s spectacular right-footed strike under the bar came too late (89′) to change anything about Liverpool’s fourth consecutive league defeat. The visitors pushed forward in vain during the eleven (!) minutes of added time. The champions are now down to sixth place.
Both teams have League Cup matches coming up this week: Brentford travel to underdogs Grimsby on Tuesday, while Liverpool host their “bogey team” Crystal Palace the following day.
