Liverpool Faces Setback Against Brentford in Premier League
LONDON — The moment Kevin Schade found the back of the net, it marked the start of a critical examination for Liverpool. Schade’s goal pushed Brentford to a 2-0 lead over the reigning champions, leaving Virgil van Dijk visibly frustrated as he addressed Cody Gakpo, who reacted dramatically. Ibrahima Konaté, meanwhile, looked disheartened as he and his teammates trudged back to the center circle.
Ultimately, Liverpool succumbed to a 3-2 defeat, a loss that is becoming a troubling pattern. This marks the Reds’ fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League, their worst streak since February 2021 when injury woes derailed their title defense. While the circumstances this time are less defined, the effects are evident: Liverpool is in crisis mode.
The echoes of Brentford fans chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning” towards manager Arne Slot served as a reminder of how drastically the team’s fortunes have shifted. Although these comments may have been made in jest, they highlight the team’s declining performance. After Liverpool enjoyed success last season, this situation is alarming for both the club and its supporters.
Despite a resounding Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt earlier in the week, Liverpool’s trip to West London quickly turned sour. If Arsenal, currently leading the league, secures a win against Crystal Palace, Liverpool will find themselves seven points adrift.
Though the season is still in its early stages and comebacks are possible, Liverpool currently resembles a side fighting relegation rather than one poised to defend its title. The match began poorly for Slot’s squad, conceding from a magnificent volley by Dango Ouattara within five minutes, stemming from a notable long throw by Michael Kayode flicked on by Kristoffer Ajer. Since last season, Brentford has scored more goals from throw-ins than any other team.
Attempts by Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to level the score were squandered, paving the way for Schade to score with a deft finish just before halftime. A late goal from Milos Kerkez provided a glimmer of hope for Liverpool, but any momentum was lost as Thiago netted Brentford’s third goal soon after.
The penalty awarded to Brentford via VAR review emphasized the current plight of Liverpool, who are struggling to find form. With their recent loss, Liverpool has matched their total league defeats from the entire previous season, having only lost four across 47 matches then. Salah’s powerful strike in the 89th minute only briefly lifted spirits, as it failed to elicit a comeback.
Salah’s form has become symbolic of the team’s overall difficulties, appearing far from his peak. Despite having been benched against Frankfurt, he returned to the starting lineup against Brentford, making history as the first forward to start over 50 consecutive league matches for the club since Ian Rush in the late ’80s.
While Salah scoring again is a rare bright spot this season, for the majority of the match against Brentford, he seemed distant from the player who previously propelled Liverpool to the title. Slot acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “Teams have developed strategies against us that we haven’t been able to counter. Changing a lot in the summer can lead to challenges, but I didn’t expect to lose four in a row.”
Injuries to players like Alexander Isak, Ryan Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alisson Becker further compound Liverpool’s troubles, indicating deeper issues beyond just missing personnel. As the last supporters filed out of the stadium, the upbeat sounds of Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” contrasted sharply with the current mood surrounding Liverpool, where good times feel increasingly distant.
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