Brentford secured a 3-2 victory over defending Premier League champions Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium, extending Liverpool's losing streak to four consecutive league games. Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade scored early for the hosts, with Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah replying for Liverpool, but Igor Thiago's penalty proved decisive. The result leaves Liverpool sixth in the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal.
The match on October 25, 2025, began with Brentford taking the lead in the fifth minute through Dango Ouattara's volley from a long throw by Michael Kayode, flicked on by Kristoffer Ajer. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, had come off a 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt but struggled defensively. Mohamed Salah was denied by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher early on, and Florian Wirtz missed a half-volley chance.
Brentford extended their advantage on the stroke of halftime when Mikkel Damsgaard's defense-splitting pass sent Kevin Schade through to beat Giorgi Mamardashvili, making it 2-0. However, in the fifth minute of stoppage time—beyond the indicated three minutes—Conor Bradley's low cross was swept in by Milos Kerkez at the far post, pulling one back for Liverpool to 2-1 amid home fan boos.
The second half saw referee Simon Hooper replaced by Tim Robinson due to injury. Brentford were awarded a controversial penalty after VAR deemed Virgil van Dijk's foul on Ouattara occurred on the penalty line rather than outside. Igor Thiago converted coolly in the 59th minute, his fourth goal in four matches, restoring the two-goal lead at 3-1.
Liverpool pushed late, with Slot making triple substitutions including Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Federico Chiesa around the 62nd minute. Salah ended his six-game club scoring drought with a powerful half-volley in the 89th minute off a Dominik Szoboszlai assist, but Brentford held firm through seven minutes of added time.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews praised his side's resilience, saying, "We showed our personality and character." Slot called it a disappointing performance, noting, "Conceding three goals is far too much." Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk added, "It's a collective thing... we have to all look in the mirror." The win moves Brentford to 10th, their third in four league matches, while Liverpool have lost five straight games in London for the first time since 1970.
Key stats:
- Liverpool: 4 losses in first 9 games, matching all of last season.
- Brentford goals: Ouattara (5'), Schade (45'), Thiago (59' pen).
- Liverpool goals: Kerkez (45+5'), Salah (89').
