Brentford piled more pressure on struggling Premier League champions Liverpool with a deserved 3-2 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.
Liverpool had ended their losing streak with a big midweek win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, but their domestic troubles returned as Brentford exposed their defensive lapses once again.
The home side took an early lead in the fifth minute when Dango Ouattara scored from close range after a long throw by Michael Kayode was flicked on by Kristoffer Ajer.
Brentford continued to dominate and doubled their lead just before half-time. Kevin Schade ran onto Mikkel Damsgaard’s perfect through ball and calmly finished past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool pulled one back in first-half stoppage time through Milos Kerkez, but Brentford quickly regained control after the break.
The Bees won a penalty on the hour mark after a VAR review showed Virgil van Dijk fouled Ouattara on the edge of the box. Igor Thiago converted from the spot to make it 3-1.
Mohamed Salah scored late on for Liverpool, his seventh goal in eight games against Brentford, but it was too late to rescue the champions from another defeat.
The loss means Liverpool have now lost four straight league games and remain sixth, four points behind leaders Arsenal. Brentford, meanwhile, climb to 10th after their fourth league win of the season.
Brentford’s resurgence under Andrews
Brentford’s new coach, Keith Andrews, continues to impress since taking over from Thomas Frank in June. His side outplayed Liverpool in every department, showing strong organisation and confidence.
Despite losing key players like Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Christian Norgaard over the summer, Brentford’s new signings — including Jordan Henderson, Ouattara, and goalkeeper Caoimhim Kelleher — have made an immediate impact.
Thiago scored his sixth league goal of the season, while Damsgaard’s assist for Schade’s goal highlighted the team’s creativity and cohesion.
Liverpool’s struggles continue
For Liverpool, this was another night to forget. Their defence looked shaky, with Van Dijk and Kerkez struggling to contain Brentford’s pace. Florian Wirtz failed to make an impact and was substituted late in the game.
Manager Arne Slot now faces growing pressure to turn things around, as Liverpool look to avoid a fifth straight league defeat — something they haven’t suffered this early in a season since 1993.
Liverpool will host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before facing Aston Villa in the league next weekend. Brentford travel to Grimsby for their cup fixture before visiting Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
