Brentford – Liverpool: Liverpool’s Slump Continues (3-2)

Brentford went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to their direct play, long throws and quick transitions against a shaky Liverpool defense. Arne Slot's side had attacks of their own and were able to pull goals back, but Brentford's defensive organization was strong enough to eventually claim the three points.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Liverpool were able to put an end to their four-game losing streak last week with a 5-1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. However, another tricky fixture awaited as they traveled to a Brentford side who had taken points from Chelsea and Manchester United already this season.

Keith Andrews' side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape with a back four of Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Kristoffer Ajer. Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson partnered Yehor Yarmolyuk in central midfield, with Mikkel Damsgaard in the number ten role. Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade then played wide either side of striker Igor Thiago.

Arne Slot went with a 4-4-2 formation for Liverpool here, with Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez in defense. Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones were the central midfield pairing, while Florian Wirtz started from a right midfield role with Cody Gakpo on the left. Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were the forwards.

Brentford unsettle Liverpool

The home side had the perfect start, taking the lead in just five minutes as . . .