As Brentford’s recovery continues, Premier League holders Liverpool’s title defense continues to stall.
Published October 25, 2025
Champions Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat at Brentford, their fourth straight Premier League defeat, and continued their dismal run in London.
On Saturday, Arne Slott’s stumbling side found themselves behind after five minutes when Dango Ouattara volleyed home a long throw, before Kevin Shade scored in the 45th minute to make it 2-0.
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Milos Kerkes responded for the visitors by scoring his first goal for Liverpool in first-half stoppage time from a Conor Bradley cross.
However, the late siege that Liverpool had hoped for never really materialized, with Igor Thiago returning from the penalty spot on the hour mark to restore Brentford’s two-goal advantage.
Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool hope with the winning goal in the 89th minute, but the team left it too late.
It is the first time since 2021 that Liverpool have lost four consecutive league games, with three of those coming in London after losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
They currently sit sixth on 15 points, four points behind leaders Arsenal, and could increase that gap even further on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace.
With their second consecutive win, Brentford moved into 10th place, two points behind Liverpool.
Brentford fans mock Liverpool manager Slott
The Dutchman didn’t have to worry about that, with the home fans gleefully shouting abuse at Liverpool manager Arne Slott, telling him he would be sacked in the morning, but it was clear that his side’s ability to defend their title was fading.
They looked vulnerable at the back and were often outmuscled by Brentford. Questions about Salah’s lack of impact will also persist, despite his superb goal in the final minute, ending a Premier League goalless drought that had lasted for more than a month.
Brentford’s threat from long throws did not escape Slott’s attention, but on a cold night in south-west London his team were left cold by the tactic.
Michael Kayode fired a long shot into the box and Christopher Ajer took a shot, but Ouattara reacted well to volley past Giorgi Mamadashvili.
Liverpool responded by giving chances to Florian Wirtz and Kodi Gakpo, but they were unconvincing and were written off again as half-time approached. Mikel Damsgaard made a great long pass to put Schade away and he kept his cool to beat Mamadashvili.
Despite Brentford’s fierce protests for the breach, Kerkes fired a shot from close range in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Virgil van Dijk clipped Ouattara’s leg on the edge of the area and Brentford won a penalty. After a lengthy VAR check, referee Tim Robinson awarded the spot-kick, which Thiago calmly slotted home.
Salah’s instant control and finishing led to a chaotic stoppage time until the 100th minute, but Brentford held on for a well-deserved three points.
