Liverpool Undone in West London as Brentford Outwork Champions

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence hit another bump as Brentford claimed a 3-2 win in West London, a result that raises fresh questions about the champions’ resilience and structure. It was a fourth straight league defeat for Arne Slot’s side, and the manner of the performance has sparked debate around Liverpool’s direction after such a strong start to the campaign.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews summed up the tone of the night with a telling post match reflection on TNT Sports, explaining that his team “smothered [Liverpool] and didn’t allow them to get out”. His approach delivered a victory built on intensity, clarity and a strategic plan that left Liverpool struggling to impose their style.

Brentford’s Approach Under Keith Andrews

The home side’s work without the ball defined this contest. Keith Andrews praised how Brentford blended organisation with conviction for the entire 101 minutes. He said, “We knew it would be a very difficult game given the level of opposition,” before adding, “But I’m really pleased with how we showed personality, character and resilience. Once we got a grip of the game after 10 to 15 minutes, we were excellent throughout.”

It was not only the pressing that caused Liverpool problems. Brentford again made set pieces count, striking first from a trademark long throw, their eighth goal from that method this season. Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago added further goals that reflected Brentford’s willingness to exploit transitions and stretch Liverpool’s back line.

Liverpool’s Struggles Clear to See

Liverpool pulled goals back through Milos Kerkez and Mo Salah, but the reaction lacked authority. The visitors continued to look exposed when Brentford surged forward. Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole suggested the midfield looked “lightweight” and it felt as though the champions were chasing the game for too long.

The statistics underline a worrying trend for Liverpool. They have conceded first in six successive competitive matches. Defensive lapses were visible again, and the midweek trip to Frankfurt appeared to contribute to heavy legs and slower reactions. This defeat also means Liverpool have already matched last season’s tally of four league losses, and no Premier League team has conceded two goals or more on as many occasions as Liverpool since May.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Title Defence

Brentford and Keith Andrews highlighted a blueprint that other Premier League sides will study. High pressure and rapid counter attacks continue to trouble Liverpool, and while this is not new, the regularity is becoming a significant concern. Klopp’s Liverpool often found a way to fix structural issues quickly, but Arne Slot faces his first genuine test of the campaign as he searches for balance between attacking fluency and defensive stability.

There is no shortage of talent in this Liverpool squad, however the patterns emerging reflect a team caught between identity, fatigue and adaptation. A return to Anfield brings an opportunity to reset, and the focus will now be on restoring defensive confidence and rediscovering control in midfield.