Down Go The Champions! A historic night at the GTech.
Brentford’s team celebration after Igor Thiago’s converted spot-kick in the 60th minute to restore the two-goal cushion.
Brentford defeat Liverpool 3-2 in West London! What an absolute THRILLER!
The Takeaways from the match:
Brentford’s Fast Start and Set-Piece Threat: Brentford capitalized early on their trademark long throws, taking the lead in the 5th minute when Dango Ouattara volleyed in after a flick-on from a Michael Kayode throw-in.
Brentford Double Their Lead: On the stroke of halftime, Brentford doubled their advantage. A superb through-ball from Mikkel Damsgaard released Kevin Schade, who outpaced the defense and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
Liverpool’s Lifeline: Liverpool managed to pull a goal back deep into first-half stoppage time, with Milos Kerkez scoring his first goal for the club to make it 2-1 at the break.
Penalty Restores Two-Goal Cushion: Early in the second half, Brentford were awarded a penalty after a VAR review judged Virgil van Dijk’s contact with Ouattara to have occurred inside the box. Igor Thiago converted the spot-kick to restore the two-goal lead at 3-1.
Late Consolation for Liverpool: Mohamed Salah ended a goal drought with a brilliant, late finish in the 89th minute, controlling a cross and blasting it in to set up a tense finish at 3-2.
Final Result: Despite a lengthy period of stoppage time where Liverpool pushed for an equalizer, Brentford held firm to secure the 3-2 victory.
The result continues a poor run of form for Liverpool, who have now lost four consecutive Premier League matches and slipped to seventh in the table. Brentford, meanwhile, were tactically astute, exploited Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses (especially from set pieces and on the counterattack), and climbed to 11th place.
In what was a photo finish to end the night, it was a convincing win and massive three points for the Bees! If it wasn’t for Kristoffer Ajer’s slight lapse in judgment and hesitation on Janelt’s pass in the 89th minute, I believe the scoreline could’ve been worse for the reigning Champions. Ajer’s hesitation saved another lackluster performance for Mohamed Salah as he capitalized on the cross into the box whilst Brentford were out of shape.
Brentford’s distinct tactical setup and set-piece threat are what carried them over the finish line on the weekend. The early goal from Dango Ouattara off of Michael Kayode’s long throw was precisely what the Bees were hoping for. Yet another example of how Brentford capitalize in the early goings of Premier League matches, but that doesn’t come without its flaws. Known for our early assaults and aggression, Brentford tend to struggle in the latter stages of the first half. Absorbing pressure and sitting in the low block after going ahead early has proved quite difficult for the Bees, who have dropped the most points (8) from winning positions in the Premier League this season (alongside Chelsea). After Kevin Schade capitalized on his 1:1 with Mamardashvili in the 45th minute from Damsgaard’s exquisite through ball, exposing the high-line of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, the Bees conceded an injury-time blow from Milos Kerkez, clawing a goal back just on the stroke of halftime.
After the break, the Bees came out on the front foot, taking the game to Liverpool. The relentless pressure to open the second half led to Virgil van Dijk’s error at the top of the 18-yard box, kicking through the foot of Ouattara, and the VAR penalty decision was awarded to Brentford. Igor Thiago’s superb spot-kick restored the Brentford two-goal cushion. After the penalty, it was all Liverpool. Keith Andrews was happy to invite the Liverpool pressure and fall back into an extremely low block. The Bees were unable to mount any sustained pressure or possession against the opposition in the tail-end of the second half, but were able to mount effective counterattacks with nothing to show for it. The effective counters allowed Brentford’s defense some reprieve for brief periods, ultimately culminating in the Bees’ 3-2 victory!
What’s next: Brentford face Grimsby Town in the 4th round of the EFL Cup tomorrow (10/27/2025).
Come On You Bees!
