Liverpool's Reality Check: Slot Demands Mirror-Gazing After Brentford Blow

Match reaction and key moments

Brentford boss Arne Slot spoke with frustration after his side edged Liverpool 3-2 on Saturday in the Premier League's ninth round, noting that Brentford's intensity and willingness to fight outshone their opponents on the night.

Slot told TNT Sports that Liverpool were not at their best, perhaps only 25 to 30 minutes of the first half offering a glimmer of positivity. They trailed 1-0 at that point, and while there was a brief window to snatch a positive result, the remainder of the game, in his view, made victory unlikely—save for a late spell in the final five or six minutes.

He added that four consecutive defeats weigh heavily, arguing that results in football drive evaluation and that this set of losses was among the worst of the stretch.

Slot also addressed Brentford's decisive moments, including a controversial penalty: he felt they had been unlucky and questioned whether the referee would have awarded it if the contact occurred outside the box.

He explained that it appeared to be a touch outside before replays showed it was on the line and inside the area, with VAR later confirming the spot-kick. Liverpool were 3-1 down at that stage, and although changes were made, Brentford looked likelier to extend their lead than Liverpool to strike back.

Looking at Mohamed Salah's return to scoring after a drought, Slot said that if Salah starts finding the net again, it would be hugely important for the team. Football, he noted, is about scoring but also about not conceding; balance is essential.

Slot emphasized that in several recent matches Liverpool had started well, often scoring early, but the key was maintaining clean sheets. He insisted that goals alone won't fix the problem unless the defense sharpens and the entire squad performs as a unit.

Van Dijk: We must look in the mirror

Virgil van Dijk voiced a deep sense of disappointment about the result and the ongoing defensive mistakes, warning that Liverpool is paying a price for lapses in focus on the small details.

In an interview with TNT Sports, the Dutch captain said: “We’re very disappointed. We knew Brentford's strengths and what they would try, and we had to be at our best mentally to meet them. It was a very discouraging night, but we have to move on.” He also commented on the controversial penalty, admitting confusion over the decision but recognizing it as a call that the officials ultimately made, not something they can change in hindsight.

Van Dijk stressed that the defeat must be followed by swift mental and tactical adjustments: Liverpool have a midweek fixture against Crystal Palace, a side that has troubled them in the past, and the team must reset mentally to be ready for the challenge. He insisted the problem is not just one line, but a collective issue across the squad, and that changes need to come from within the group.

Henderson, the Liverpool captain, spoke about facing his former club, Brentford, for the first time since leaving the Reds. He praised his current teammates for sticking together and maintaining focus, noting that Brentford’s defense and balls into the box made life difficult. He highlighted the performance of Damgaard and Thiago as influential factors in the contest and argued that Liverpool deserved more from the game, insisting the effort was there even if the result wasn’t.

Henderson: Liverpool will always hold a place in my heart

When asked about facing his old team, Henderson reflected positively on the night, stressing that Liverpool remain a club of global stature with players capable of turning things around. He spoke about the support from the fans and the desire to return to form as quickly as possible, especially against a team that has historically posed difficulties for them. The defender-partnered approach, he implied, needs to be complemented by sharper attacking efficiency and disciplined defending against dynamic opponents.

Record and context

With the Brentford setback, Liverpool became the fourth reigning champion in Premier League history to lose four straight games, joining Leicester (2016-17) and Manchester City (2022-23), among others. They have now conceded 14 goals in nine games—a figure not seen last season until after an extended run—raising concern about how quickly the team can rediscover defensive cohesion.

As the analysis continues, the broader context remains: a team with heavy-hitting attacking talent must re-find its rhythm and discipline to climb out of this early-season wobble.

What’s next

Liverpool have a midweek test at Anfield against Crystal Palace, a game that will require renewed focus and a more compact defense, lest the errors of recent weeks become a longer-running trend. The players and staff know the task and will hope Salah’s touch stays warm and the collective shape returns.

Two quick one-liners to close: If defending were an Olympic sport, Liverpool would petition for extra time so the scoreboard could finally stop blinking at zero. Also, maybe they should start selling self-help books in the locker room titled: “Look in the Mirror: A Manager’s Guide to Turning Things Around.”