Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Oct 26: Defending Premier League champions Liverpool endured a fourth consecutive league loss as Brentford secured a 3-2 victory over the Reds on Saturday, leaving the Merseyside club struggling for form under manager Arne Slot.

Brentford’s goals came from Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade, and Igor Thiago, helping the Bees climb to 10th in the standings. Liverpool, meanwhile, slipped to sixth and risked falling seven points behind league leaders Arsenal by Sunday, highlighting a dramatic collapse in their title defence.

Slot admitted frustration with his team’s performance, saying, “We didn’t do the basics right today. After four defeats in a row, you can judge the performance, and today was the worst in my opinion from all four games.” The manager was also without striker Alexander Isak, who missed out due to a groin injury, though Mohamed Salah returned to the starting lineup following a Champions League victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Brentford’s long-throw tactic proved decisive. Michael Kayode’s throw-ins caused constant problems for Liverpool, with Kristoffer Ajer flicking one on for Ouattara to volley the opener. Despite limited possession, the Bees continued to threaten, with Damsgaard setting up Schade’s low strike for Brentford’s second goal.

Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities were again exposed, with Milos Kerkez contributing to the team’s ongoing struggles. He later redeemed himself by turning in Conor Bradley’s cross to pull a goal back for Liverpool just before halftime, though Brentford felt the stoppage time was insufficient.

In the second half, VAR awarded Brentford a penalty for Virgil van Dijk’s challenge on Ouattara. Thiago converted confidently, restoring Brentford’s two-goal cushion and sealing Liverpool’s fate. Salah ended his six-game goal drought in the 89th minute with a spectacular strike off Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross, but it proved too late to alter the outcome.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews hailed the victory, saying, “To win against the Premier League champions is a pretty special evening. Our team is growing in confidence and heading in the right direction.”

Liverpool’s ongoing slump underscores the challenges Slot faces in integrating a £450 million summer squad overhaul while grappling with the emotional impact of Diogo Jota’s tragic death in July. The Reds’ defence, already porous with at least two goals conceded in six of nine league games this season, will need urgent attention as the title race continues.