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Brentford 3 – 2 Liverpool – PL Player Ratings

The Premier League’s return after a scintillating 1-5 win in Germany saw the Reds travel to the Capital where a workmanlike Brentford hosted the reigning champions.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6.0

The giant Georgian stopper was unable to use the ball intelligently which created the long throw opportunity which saw the Reds fall behind early. After a brilliant one-handed save from distance, the second goal squeezed past the stationary goalkeeper as he seemed hesitant to move forward.

After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was forced into a superb pair of stops early on as the home side came looking to extend their lead. The penalty conceded could not be helped as he was sent the wrong way.

Conor Bradley – 5.0

The Irish fullback was poor early on and lacked composure in and around the creation of the opening goal conceded.

After the break, the inconsistent defender was again poor before leaving the pitch.

Subbed – 61 mins

Milos Kerkez – 5.0

The Hungarian international was effective if underused as an outlet and was able to use his advancing ability to score late into the first half stoppage time. The attempted defensive action was poor for the first goal conceded.

After the intermission, the youthful full-back was again limited before leaving the pitch.

Subbed – 61 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 5.0

The French international defender was unable to clear the ball for the opening goal, as he failed to get his head to the first ball in. The second goal conceded was down to poor positioning and a lack of recovery as Kevin Shade soared past and onto the goal.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was unable to assert authority.

Virgil van Dijk – 5.0

The captain and leader of this team was unsure positionally, let down by the system and could not make up for the failures on his right-hand side. Should have stepped across for the second goal conceded.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unlucky to concede the penalty as he kicked the retreating attacker.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0

The Hungarian skipper was largely responsible for pushing the ball forward, however, his urgency was lost against a well-drilled opponent.

When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man was used across the pitch and created the Salah goal by desire.

Curtis Jones – 5.0

The English midfielder was able to get on the ball and try and be progressive, though his natural game often saw the central areas exposed off the ball.

After the half-time break, the former academy graduate tried to get the game going before leaving the pitch with a suspected injury.

Subbed – 70 mins

Florian Wirtz – 5.0

The German international was bright early on and had a glorious chance to score, yet the snapshot went just wide. Industry turned to stagnation as the hosts surrounded the playmaker.

After the break, the summer signing was unable to offer much in a poor showing.

Subbed – 83 mins

Cody Gakpo – 4.0

The Dutch attacker was able to deliver one or two balls into the box, however, his constant desire to cut inside and into traffic showed a lack of invention.

In the second half, the wide man was again ineffective before leaving the field.

Subbed – 61 mins

Hugo Ekitike – 4.0

The France attacker was poor in giving the ball away for the second goal conceded, as he failed to deal with the intent of the opposition. A deft touch assisted Milos Kerkez for the first half goal, as he made a great run to the near post.

After the break, the former PSG striker was ineffective against a physical opponent.

Mohamed Salah – 6.0

The Egyptian King was unlucky early on as a heavy touch scuppered a great opportunity to level the scores. Little else came the way of the underperforming star.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was finally able to make an impression with a wonderful strike.

Substitutions;

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0 (on 62)

Came on to add control.

Andy Robertson – 5.0 (on 61)

Came on to add experience.

Federico Chiesa  – 6.0 (on 62)

Came on to add desire.

Rio Ngumoha – 5.0 (on 70)

Came on to add something different.

Joe Gomez – 5.0 (on 83)

Came on to add defensive stability.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 3.0

The Dutch head coach was able to keep the midfield pivot, though the same uncomfortable situation came roaring back, with the Premier League having its way with a team that will not be able to defend its crown.

The substitutions were reactive to a poor showing and major questions now need to be asked of the under-fire head coach.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Brentford 2 – 2 Liverpool

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