Liverpool’s troubles intensified with a 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on October 25, 2025. The loss marks a disappointing fourth consecutive defeat for the team, leaving coach Arne Slot grappling with the mounting pressure and a growing list of excuses that are increasingly difficult to justify.
In previous matches against Cristal Palace and Chelsea, Liverpool could point to late-game drama as a factor in their losses, having conceded goals in the dying moments. Against Manchester United, they struggled to capitalize on opportunities, hitting the woodwork multiple times but failing to convert chances into goals. Yet, against Brentford, the team’s lack of composure was evident as they repeatedly surrendered possession under minimal pressure.
During the match, Liverpool’s players exhibited a disturbing tendency to lose control of the ball, making basic defensive errors and failing to execute set pieces effectively. A particularly notable moment came late in the game when they were unable to beat the first defender from a corner, despite having all players positioned in the box. This period of play highlighted a lack of urgency and intent, especially during a 20-minute stretch after half-time, where they failed to register a single shot on target.
Slot’s post-match comments attempted to address the team’s performance, although they contained elements of excuses. He expressed concern about the impact of an intense schedule, noting that five of Liverpool’s last six matches had been played away from home. While this is a factual statement, it raises the question of whether it can be considered a valid excuse for the team’s current form. Liverpool, historically strong on the road, has now lost four of those away games.
“Going from Wednesday in Germany to Saturday in London isn’t ideal,” Slot acknowledged in his press conference. He referred to the challenges presented by the different playing styles of their opponents, suggesting that the quick turnaround hindered their preparation for Brentford. However, with the depth of Liverpool’s squad, these factors should not excuse the fundamental errors made on the pitch.
Slot highlighted a contentious penalty awarded to Brentford, which he characterized as “soft.” The decision stemmed from Virgil van Dijk making contact with Dango Ouattara’s boot, a call that was upgraded by VAR from a free-kick to a penalty. While Slot pointed to the marginal nature of the decision, he also suggested that van Dijk’s rash challenge was indicative of a deeper issue in the team’s defensive performance.
The coach also reflected on the impact of summer transfers, acknowledging that changes to the squad can lead to inconsistencies. He argued, “It’s always a bit of a bumpy road if you change.” Yet, the departures of players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez were strategic, and the team could have opted to retain them, raising questions about the current team’s cohesion and performance level.
As Liverpool’s new signings struggle to integrate effectively, the match against Brentford showcased the ongoing challenges. Players like Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz exhibited flashes of talent but were often outperformed by their opponents, resulting in a performance that fell short of expectations. Their inability to connect and maintain possession added to the team’s woes.
Brentford’s game plan capitalized on Liverpool’s weaknesses, employing physical tactics and long throws that proved problematic for the visitors. Slot admitted that Liverpool had prepared for these tactics, yet they failed to execute defensive strategies effectively. As Brentford pressed forward, Liverpool repeatedly assisted their opponents by giving away possession in dangerous areas.
The post-match analysis of Liverpool’s performance suggests that the team is struggling not with tactics but with fundamental execution. The players on the pitch, many of whom are experiencing a dip in form, have become focal points of concern. The longer the losing streak continues, the more difficult it becomes for Slot to find justifiable reasons for the decline.
Liverpool’s situation is becoming increasingly pressing. As they navigate this challenging period, the club must find solutions to the issues plaguing their performance if they hope to reclaim their place among the elite in English football. The fans, the players, and the management will be watching closely to see how the team responds in the coming weeks.
