Liverpool’s difficult domestic spell hit a new low on Saturday as Arne Slot’s men fell 3–2 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium — their fourth consecutive Premier League loss and fifth in their last six games in all competitions.
The result leaves the Reds sliding further away from the European places, and their performance raised new doubts over the tactical identity Slot is trying to impose. Brentford’s intensity, structure and set-piece efficiency brutally exposed Liverpool’s defensive frailties and lack of cohesion.
Brentford punish disorganised Reds
The afternoon began in nightmare fashion for the visitors. Dango Ouattara opened the scoring after just five minutes, reacting quickest to a long throw Liverpool had specifically prepared for in training. Kevin Schade doubled the lead midway through the first half, finishing clinically after Mikkel Damsgaard sliced through midfield with ease.
Milos Kerkez — halved the deficit in first-half stoppage time, but his nervy performance continued as he was replaced by Andy Robertson shortly after the hour mark.
By that point, Igor Thiago had already converted from the penalty spot to restore Brentford’s two-goal cushion. Mohamed Salah’s late strike proved meaningless as the Bees held on for a fully deserved victory.
Robertson’s verdict: “We didn’t play our plan at all”
After the final whistle, Robertson cut a frustrated figure in front of LFC TV, making no attempt to mask his anger at the manner of Liverpool’s defeat.
“We didn’t do enough off the ball. You can’t come to Brentford and expect to play them off the park,” he said. “They fight for every second ball, every throw, every cross. We knew that. We’d worked on it — and five minutes in, we concede from one. It’s nowhere near good enough.”
The Scotland captain went further, admitting that Liverpool completely lost their shape once they fell behind.
“There’s no structure when you don’t stick to your plan. You have to fight for control first — no one gives it to you in this league. We never got a grip on the game at all today. Moments, yes, but not enough to put them under pressure.”
Robertson’s 29-minute cameo in numbers
Despite being introduced in the 61st minute, Robertson provided energy and leadership down the left but struggled to influence a disjointed backline.
| Statistic | Andy Robertson vs Brentford |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 29 |
| Tackles (won) | 1 (1) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Ground Duels (won) | 2 (1) |
| Aerial Duels (won) | 4 (3) |
| Passing Accuracy | 15/23 (65%) |
| Crosses (accurate) | 1/4 (25%) |
Source: Sofascore
— 26 October 2025
Slot’s structure under scrutiny
Arne Slot’s system, designed to dominate through possession and compactness, continues to unravel against sides willing to bypass midfield and exploit space behind the full-backs. Brentford did exactly that, winning second balls and pinning Liverpool’s backline deep.
Kerkez endured another uncomfortable outing before being replaced, while Giorgi Mamardashvili
looked uncertain under aerial pressure. The absence of cohesion and communication among defenders mirrored the frustration seen on Robertson’s face.
Liverpool’s biggest concern is psychological — performances no longer carry the aggression or control that defined their best moments earlier in the season.
Key Insights
- Liverpool suffered their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat with a 3–2 loss at Brentford.
- Andy Robertson admitted the Reds “didn’t follow the gameplan” and “had no structure.”
- Milos Kerkez scored his first goal for Liverpool but was substituted after 61 minutes.
- Arne Slot’s side have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Robertson’s cameo lasted 29 minutes, with 65% pass accuracy and three recoveries.
What’s Next for Liverpool
Liverpool return to Anfield to face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup — a fixture that now feels must-win for Arne Slot. Andy Robertson is expected to regain his starting place, but unless Liverpool rediscover discipline and aggression without the ball, pressure will only intensify.
The Scot’s words summed up the current mood perfectly: Liverpool can’t just rely on talent — they must fight for structure again.
👉 Andy Robertson says Liverpool “lost all structure” in Brentford defeat — can Arne Slot restore control before it’s too late?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 26 Oct 2025 10:32
Kerkez is a big problem for Liverpool, but actually they've more than 1 problem. it just doesn't click right now - I think Robo should start from now on, but even he isnt what he used to be. However this cant continu like this for Slot and Liverpool
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