Liverpool suffered a shocking 1-3 defeat at Brentford after a string of defensive mistakes cost them their chance of finishing in the top four in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s team had a terrible start to 2023, and they were only responsible for the horror show in West London.
Ibrahima Konate’s half-time own goal was the start of an evening marred by Liverpool’s mistakes.
Brentford’s lead was doubled by Yoane Wissa, and though Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did get one back for Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo won Brentford’s first win against Liverpool since 1938.
Konate was the primary blame for Liverpool’s poor defensive performance in his first appearance since December’s World Cup final loss to Argentina.
However, the centre-back was not the only one to be criticised for Liverpool’s performance that saw them finish in sixth place. They are now four points behind Manchester United who will play against Bournemouth on Tuesday. Even though seventh-placed Brentford have a six-game winning streak in the league, which includes a win over champions Manchester City just before World Cup, it was still shocking to see Liverpool so easily torn apart.
Another poster boy for Liverpool’s troubles was Darwin Nunez, who was signed from Benfica last year for PS64 million ($77million).
The 23-year old had 13 shots but failed to score in his two previous league games. He was also unsuccessful in the Brentford Community Stadium’s early stages.
Mohamed Salah’s brilliant pass was unhindered by Brentford defense and Nunez seemed certain to end his barren run, when he turned David Raya.
Nunez looked disbelieving as Ben Mee ran back to get his shot off the line. Mbeumo came close with a powerful strike that Alisson Becker was unable to stop.
Liverpool was not able to withstand the temporary respite, as Thomas Frank’s team won the match with the set-piece in 19 minutes.
Mee tried to flick the ball on, but Konate got the last touch when the ball bounced off his knee and passed Alisson.
Liverpool were fortunate not to be in more set-piece trouble when Wissa scored from close-range after the Reds had made a hash clearing a corner. Only for Brentford to make an offside call.
Klopp’s team failed to listen to the warning, and Wissa was unmarked to drill home from another dangerous corner before an onside flag against Mee once more spared Liverpool’s blushes.
Liverpool couldn’t deal with Brentford’s aerial threat because of disarray at their back. Wissa scored in the 42nd minute.
Mathias Jensen’s cross found Wissa, and the Congo forward got infront of Trent Alexander-Arnold to score a header that crossed the line just before Alisson could get it back.
Klopp was furious on the touchline, ranting at his shell-shocked teammates. German responded by sending in Joel Matip, Andrew Robertson, and Naby Keita to the half-time. Virgil van Dijk was replaced at half-time after sustaining a leg injury. Klopp’s changes temporarily sparked Liverpool, while Nunez had a shot ruled out for offside. However, they managed to reduce the deficit in the 50th minute.
After being tortured by crosses during the first half Liverpool took to the air when Alexander-Arnold’s pin-point delivery was delivered by Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The goal did not spur Liverpool to a grandstand finish. However, it was enough for the Reds who lost their way in the second half.
It was fitting that Brentford’s knockout punch was an inflicted injury by Liverpool. Konate fell while trying to stop a long ball to Mbeumo who ran clear to slot past Alisson.