Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Brentford as the Reds suffer a fourth loss in eight Premier League away games in 2022/23, denting their top-four hopes.
GTECH COMMUNITY STADIUM, LONDON // Liverpool’s run of four consecutive Premier League victories came to an end with a dismal 3-1 defeat away at Brentford.
The hosts took the lead through an Ibrahima Konaté own goal on 19 minutes before two further corner-kick goals from Yoane Wissa were disallowed for offsides.
The Congolese striker wasn’t to be denied a third time though, with a headed effort shortly before the break creeping over the line to double the advantage.
After a Darwin Núñez goal was ruled out, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain headed home to halve the deficit. But Liverpool couldn’t find an equaliser and Mbeumo then made the points safe for Thomas Frank’s side with a late counter.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain— The best of a bad bunch on the night and Liverpool’s only scorer, Oxlade-Chamberlain boosted his chances of more game time when Liverpool’s left-wing options return with an improved display.
LOSERS
Virgil van Dijk— When Matip was preparing to enter the fray from the touchline at half-time, it seemed inevitable that Konaté would be the player withdrawn, but instead, Van Dijk made way.
Whether it was enforced by injury or whether Klopp made the unprecedented but understandable decision to take him off for tactical reasons, Van Dijk has to be considered one of the losers.
Kostas Tsimikas— Robertson’s dead leg gave Tsimikas a valuable starting opportunity but where he normally delivers when called upon, he was off the pace here, leading to a half-time bath.
Harvey Elliott— The last of the three players who didn’t emerge for the second half, Elliott’s only real impact was negative. Jordan Henderson’s place in Liverpool’s strongest XI feels a little more secure now.
producing an inspired flick to set up Tsimikas.
Got Liverpool back in the game with a well-taken header, then came off in the final 10 minutes.
Mohamed Salah — 5/10
Could have had an assist after a great piece of play early on which saw him bring the ball down expertly and release Núñez in behind. Denied any clearcut scoring chances.
Darwin Núñez — 4/10
Saw an effort cleared off the line after he went around David Raya, but perhaps could have looked up first to spot the recovering Ben Mee. Produced an excellent finish after Thiago’s dinked ball in behind but was a fraction offside. Needs to work on the timing of his runs.
Booked after throwing Mee to the floor at a corner and complaining to the referee.
SUBSTITUTES
Naby Keïta — 5/10
Looked to drive forward when he received the ball and unlock Brentford with cute passes and combinations. Lost the ball in the lead-up to the third goal.
Andy Robertson — 6/10
Helped to inspire an uplift in Liverpool’s performance levels after coming on at the break.
Joël Matip — 5/10
A couple of trademark forays forward, and not too much defending to do.
Curtis Jones — N/A
