Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has backed his old side to bounce back after helping Brentford secure a dramatic 3–2 win over the Reds at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It was the first time Henderson faced Liverpool since his departure in 2023, and the 35-year-old played a key role in the Bees’ impressive victory — their fourth win of the Premier League season and a result that condemned Arne Slot’s men to a fourth straight league defeat.
Brentford punish Liverpool again
Brentford struck early through Dango Ouattara, who reacted quickest to a long throw inside the opening five minutes. Kevin Schade added a second before half-time after latching onto a Mikkel Damsgaard through ball.
Milos Kerkez offered Liverpool a brief lifeline with his first goal for the club just before the break, but Igor Thiago’s penalty on the hour restored Brentford’s cushion. Mohamed Salah’s late finish reduced the deficit again, but it wasn’t enough to spare Slot’s side from another damaging result.
Liverpool have now lost five of their last six matches in all competitions and slipped to sixth in the Premier League table, despite a record-breaking £450m summer investment.
Henderson: “Liverpool are still world-class”
After the match, Henderson — who captained Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory during his 12-year stay — insisted his former club’s struggles are temporary.
“Liverpool are a world-class team with world-class players,” Henderson told TNT Sports. “You look all over the pitch, there’s not much to go at. They’re all quality players. Yes, results haven’t been great, but it’s only a matter of time before they get in a rhythm and get going.”
The midfielder suggested there were “a lot of reasons why” Liverpool haven’t hit their usual heights this season, but stressed that Slot’s side will recover once consistency returns.
“They’re still a top team,” he continued. “You can’t write them off. It’s just small details — rhythm, confidence — and it’ll come back.”
Henderson’s complete performance vs Liverpool
Henderson was instrumental in Brentford’s midfield, dictating tempo and breaking up play with his trademark intensity. His composure on the ball and defensive discipline helped the Bees control key moments against his former teammates.
| Statistic | Jordan Henderson vs Liverpool |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Tackles (won) | 1 (1) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Blocked Shots | 1 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Ground Duels (won) | 1 (1) |
| Accurate Passes | 23/31 (74%) |
| Passes in Opposition Half | 13/22 (59%) |
| Passes in Own Half | 11/12 (92%) |
Source: Sofascore — 26 October 2025
It was a vintage Henderson display: disciplined off the ball, vocal in organising the midfield, and efficient in possession when Brentford needed to slow the game down.
Emotional reunion and lasting respect
Facing Liverpool for the first time since leaving in 2023, Henderson admitted the night carried a strange sense of nostalgia.
“I’d been at Liverpool for so long — 12 years — it’s always going to be a part of me,” he said. “It felt strange, but as soon as the whistle went, it was business as usual. I was focused and ready.”
He acknowledged the warm reception from the away supporters, many of whom applauded their former captain before leaving early after Brentford’s third goal.
“It was nice to see a few familiar faces,” Henderson added. “The fans have always been amazing to me. Liverpool will always hold a special place in my heart, but tonight was about Brentford.”
Analyst Verdict — by John William, FootballPlace
I think Jordan Henderson was immense in this game. He managed the tempo, controlled transitions, and gave Brentford the composure they needed against a technically superior Liverpool. His words about his former club were respectful, but his performance said more — he remains Premier League level in intensity and mentality.
For Liverpool, the worrying part is that their former captain looked more organised and structured than their current midfield trio. Slot must rediscover balance quickly before this becomes a full-blown identity crisis.
Key Insights
- Jordan Henderson starred in Brentford’s 3–2 win over Liverpool, his first game against the Reds since leaving in 2023.
- The former captain completed 23/31 passes (74%) and made six recoveries in 90 minutes.
- Henderson backed Liverpool to recover, insisting “it’s only a matter of time” before they regain rhythm.
- Liverpool have now lost four Premier League matches in a row.
- Henderson received a warm reception from the travelling Liverpool supporters.
What’s Next
Brentford’s win lifts them into the top half of the table, and Keith Andrews’ men now turn their attention to a trip to Aston Villa next weekend.
For Liverpool, the pressure is mounting on Arne Slot ahead of a crucial home clash with Fulham.
Henderson, meanwhile, continues to prove he remains one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League — a leader reborn in Brentford colours.
👉 Jordan Henderson calls for calm over Liverpool’s slump — but did the ex-captain just show Arne Slot what his team is missing?
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