Liverpool player ratings as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk struggle in Brentford defeat

Liverpool were back to losing ways on Saturday evening, as Brentford secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Arne Slot’s Reds at the Gtech Community Stadium in a crushing blow to the Reds’ title race

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign went from bad to worse on Saturday evening, as they suffered a 3-2 loss to Brentford. Arne Slot will have been looking to build on momentum from a 5-1 midweek thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

However, fate had other plans for their turn at the Gtech Community Stadium, making the long trip back from London with a fourth-consecutive top-flight loss to their name. Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade netted goals in the first half, followed by Milos Kerkez pulling one back just before half-time.

However, Igor Thiago’s contentious penalty after the break and Mohamed Salah’s late goal couldn’t prevent the Reds from a 3-2 loss. Here, Mirror Football breaks down how Slot’s side performed, with a helping hand from the Liverpool Echo…

READ MORE: Why Liverpool conceded penalty against Brentford as controversial VAR intervention explainedREAD MORE: Liverpool slump to yet another defeat as Brentford deliver fresh title blow – 5 talking points

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6

Unable to prevent any of the Brentford goals, Mamardashvili made a few good saves. His distribution was tested throughout the game.

Conor Bradley – 6

Bradley conceded a soft throw-in leading to the opener and his forward forays were sporadic in the first half until a low cross for Kerkez helped set up the first goal. He was later substituted.

Ibrahima Konate – 5

Konate had a physical battle against Thiago and kept the Brentford forward in check, but he lost focus for the second goal and never seemed truly comfortable.

Virgil van Dijk – 5

Despite some good defensive headers, Van Dijk’s decision-making was questioned at times, and he was unfortunate to concede a soft penalty.

Milos Kerkez – 4

Kerkez annoyed Van Dijk with his positional play in the first half and didn’t pose much threat going forward until he managed to score just before half-time. His second-half performance also wasn’t great. He was booked and then substituted.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Szoboszlai tried to push Liverpool forward in the opening quarter and put in a lot of effort, stepping up where others didn’t. His assist for the second goal was good, but he was wasted at right-back again.

Curtis Jones – 7

Jones managed to keep possession well in tight spots and his defensive skills were tested at times. He deserved better support from his teammates. Unfortunately, he got injured and had to be substituted.

Mohamed Salah – 5

Salah lost his footing when Cody Gakpo passed him the ball and was largely absent before half-time. He had one shot blocked in the second half and clearly lacked confidence, but his excellent finish for the second goal should give him a boost.

Florian Wirtz – 4

Wirtz started off well and saw a fair amount of the ball before missing a good opportunity and then fading badly, despite his unquestionable work ethic. He was substituted.

Cody Gakpo – 5

Gakpo created a chance for Salah, took a shot that went over the bar and had an ambitious penalty claim dismissed, but he was off form in the second half. Also subbed off.

Hugo Ekitike – 5

Ekitike was partly to blame for Brentford’s first two goals and didn’t always hold the ball well, but his nuisance factor near the post led to a Liverpool goal.

SUBS

Federico Chiesa: Chiesa failed to make much of an impact – 4

Andy Robertson: Robertson was also unable to do much – 5

Alexis Mac Allister: It was nice to see the Argentina international back on the pitch – 6

Rio Ngumoha: It was a big ask for the teenager to turn the game around – 6

Joe Gomez: He should perhaps be playing more often – Unrated (Only played seven minutes)

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