Liverpool’s Premier League title defense took another hit on Saturday night as Brentford edged them 3-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium, handing the reigning champions their fourth consecutive league defeat, matching their worst run since February 2021.
The loss leaves Liverpool in sixth place and already seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who could widen the gap further with a win over Crystal Palace. It also means the Reds have equaled their total number of league defeats from the entire 2024–25 title-winning campaign, just nine games into the new season.
Brentford struck first through Dango Ouattara, who acrobatically finished at the back post following a long throw-in flicked on by Kristoffer Ajer. It was the eighth time since the start of last season that the Bees have scored from a throw-in, more than any other Premier League side.
Liverpool were denied a penalty moments before Brentford doubled their lead. Cody Gakpo appeared to be tripped in the box, but play continued, and Mikkel Damsgaard launched a pass from deep to Kevin Schade, who outran Ibrahima Konaté and slotted past Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Milos Kerkez gave Liverpool a lifeline with the final kick of the first half, scoring his first goal for the club after Conor Bradley’s low cross found him unmarked at the back post.
Despite the fightback, defensive frailties continued to haunt Liverpool. A controversial penalty was awarded to Brentford after VAR overturned an initial free-kick decision, ruling Virgil van Dijk’s foul occurred inside the box. Igor Thiago converted from the spot to make it 3-1.
Mohamed Salah, making his 50th consecutive Premier League start, pulled one back in the 89th minute with his first non-penalty goal of the season. But despite seven minutes of added time, Liverpool couldn’t find an equalizer.
While the Reds have now scored in 43 straight league matches, third-longest streak in top-flight history, their defensive record is cause for concern. Since May, they’ve conceded two or more goals in nine Premier League games, more than any other side.
Brentford’s win marks their third victory over reigning champions in nine attempts, a feat matched only by Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City among long-term Premier League clubs.
