-
Beth Lindop
LONDON — Liverpool manager Arne Slot has described his team’s 3-2 loss to Brentford as one of his most disappointing moments in charge.
The champions have now suffered four straight league defeats at the Gtech Community Stadium, dropping to sixth in the Premier League standings. This marks Liverpool’s worst domestic performance since February 2021, matching their total number of losses from the previous season.
“This result ranks highly on my list of disappointments since taking over here,” Slot said when reflecting on the match. “After the first 30 minutes, Brentford reclaimed control with their set pieces and other tactical plays; they executed extremely well.”
– Lindop: The good times for Liverpool last season feel a distant memory
– Amorim: ‘I don’t care’ about Slot’s Utd comments
Liverpool joins an exclusive group as just the fourth defending champions to lose four consecutive matches, equaling their longest Premier League losing streak. Following defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Slot remarked that Saturday’s defeat was the most painful of the lot.
“While each loss is unique, the significant issue is losing four times in a row,” he explained to TNT Sports. “Performance can be evaluated later, but unfortunately today was, in my view, the worst performance of the four defeats we’ve experienced.”
“We didn’t execute the basics correctly, particularly in the first half and during certain segments of the second half. They were more successful in duels and won more second balls than we did.”
Brentford secured a 2-0 lead with goals from Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade. Liverpool managed to respond with a goal from Milos Kerkez</ during stoppage time of the first half.
A penalty converted by Igor Thiago in the second half restored Brentford’s advantage until Mohamed Salah delivered a stunning equalizer with an impressive shot in the 89th minute. Despite having 11 minutes of added time, Liverpool was unable to find the equalizer.
This defeat could leave Liverpool seven points behind league leaders Arsenal as the weekend concludes.
While Slot expressed disappointment over his team’s performance, he also voiced frustration regarding two pivotal refereeing decisions.
Brentford’s second goal came shortly after Cody Gakpo was denied what appeared to be a strong penalty appeal following a challenge by Nathan Collins.
The home team was controversially awarded a penalty in the second half when VAR determined that Virgil van Dijk fouled Ouattara in the box, leading to Thiago’s successful penalty kick.
Slot commented, “Just before they scored to make it 2-0, there was a moment when Cody was inside the box and they didn’t touch the ball. If you showed both situations to referees worldwide, I’d wager they would likely agree on two things, either both should be penalties or neither should be.”
“If I had to choose, I would give the one for Cody. Unfortunately, we have to contend with bad luck during games like the one we played today.”
This report includes information from PA and The Associated Press.