When Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian captain of Liverpool, struck a 25‑yard curling screamer on October 25, 2025, the Gtech Community Stadium erupted – only to watch the victory slip away as Brentford edged a 3‑2 win.
The match, a Premier League fixture at 15:00 BST, marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat in the 2025‑26 campaign. Florian Wirtz, the German recent‑signing, was substituted early in the second half after a dismal 62.2% pass‑completion rate, prompting a chorus of criticism from pundits and fans alike.
Match Overview
Brentford opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Kevin Schade. Liverpool equalised ten minutes later thanks to a well‑timed run by Milos Kerkez, who slipped a low‑driven ball to Salah. The Egyptian’s scream in the 50th minute seemed like a turning point, but Brentford responded with Yoane Wissa’s strike just two minutes later. A late header from Bryan Mbeumo in the 89th minute sealed the three points.
Statistically, Liverpool dominated possession (58%), but they produced only four shots on target versus Brentford’s five. The Reds’ pass accuracy sat at 81%, yet many incisive passes never threatened the Brentford net.
Key Performances
Salah’s goal was his first open‑play strike in the Premier League since the opening night on August 16, 2025, against Fulham. The strike earned him a standing ovation, but his overall impact was muted: three attempts, one on target, and a solitary key pass. In contrast, Virgil van Dijk was a defensive anchor, winning 85% of his aerial duels but failing to clear the danger from Mbeumo’s cross.
Wirtz’s night was a textbook ‘flop’. After 28 of 45 passes landed, he committed three fouls and was replaced by Joe Gomez in the 83rd minute. Manager Arne Slot later admitted the midfield looked “disconnected”.
For Brentford, Schade’s first‑half burst and Mbeumo’s composure under pressure were the bright spots. Their goalkeeper, David Raya, made five crucial saves, including a reflex stop on a Salah free‑kick.
Tactical Analysis
Slot opted for a 4‑3‑3, deploying Wirtz as a deep‑lying playmaker. The plan was to overload the midfield and feed Salah on the flank. In practice, Brentford’s compact midfield pressed high, forcing Wirtz into uncomfortable zones. The result: a low pass‑completion rate and three fouls that broke the Reds’ rhythm.
Brentford’s manager Thomas Frank chose a 3‑5‑2, allowing wing‑backs to flood the flanks. Schade’s early run exploited the space behind Kerkez’s left‑back, while Wissa’s diagonal run caught the Liverpool defence off‑guard.
One tactical nuance that slipped past the pundit box: Liverpool’s high line left a gap between the centre‑backs and the goalkeeper, which Mbeumo exploited with his late header. A simple tweak – dropping the line a step back – might have nullified that threat.
Financial and League Implications
The defeat keeps Liverpool in seventh place with 14 points from nine games, eight points adrift of league leaders Manchester City. Opta Sports data now shows a 78% probability that Liverpool will miss out on the coveted UEFA Champions League spots, translating to a projected £2.5 million shortfall in prize money.
On the market, Liverpool’s NYSE ticker (LIV) closed at $92.43 on October 25, a 4.2% dip from the prior session. Analysts point to the four‑game losing streak as the primary catalyst, warning that continued underperformance could pressure the board, chaired by Tom Werner, to reconsider the recent managerial appointment.
Owner John W. Henry has publicly backed Slot, but the financial stakes are growing. A Champions League berth guarantees an additional £100 million in TV revenue – a figure that dwarfs the current shortfall.
Looking Ahead
Only four days later, Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage. Slot’s pre‑match press conference was a stark admission: “Four defeats in a row is unacceptable for Liverpool standards.” The Reds must tighten their midfield, perhaps benching Wirtz for a more disciplined option, and find a way to translate possession into goals.
Brentford, meanwhile, sit 12th with 10 points. Their next fixture against Southampton will test whether they can maintain the momentum built at Brentford.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the loss affect Liverpool’s Champions League chances?
The defeat keeps Liverpool seventh in the table, eight points behind leaders. Opta projects a 78% likelihood of missing the top‑four, which would mean losing out on roughly £100 million in Champions League TV revenue.
Why was Florian Wirtz’s performance labeled a ‘flop’?
Wirtz completed only 28 of 45 passes (62.2% accuracy), committed three fouls, and failed to create any clear scoring chances. For a £65 million signing, those numbers fell far short of expectations.
What made Salah’s goal stand out?
It was his first open‑play Premier League goal since the season opener on August 16, 2025. The 25‑yard curling strike showcased his technique, but isolated brilliance couldn’t offset the team’s overall deficiencies.
What financial impact could the losing streak have on Liverpool’s share price?
After the Brentford loss, Liverpool’s shares fell 4.2% to $92.43. Continued poor results could pressure investors, potentially leading to further depreciation if the club fails to secure Champions League qualification.
What tactical changes might Arne Slot consider for the Real Madrid game?
Slot may tighten the midfield, perhaps replacing Wirtz with a more defensively disciplined player, and adjust the defensive line to avoid the space exploited by Mbeumo. Pressing higher and improving transition speed could also help against Madrid’s technical midfield.