In their 3-1 loss to Brentford, Liverpool put up a terrible display with only a few players deserving the high marks.
The Reds had a small stream. And it appeared like Liverpool would maintain the status quo. All of that momentum was destroyed when Brentford defeated Liverpool 3-1. They didn’t seem to follow the “Liverpool way,” and they appeared disorganized.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Alisson (6.5/10)
Four times in the first half, the ball crossed his line, but he wasn’t really at fault for any of them, even if the goalie may have been blamed if the back line had been more organized. Alisson was crucial to maintaining control as a dependable option in possession after the interval, helping to pin Brentford back. But after that, he received yet another beating. an unpleasant task.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)
Alexander-Arnold said in an honest interview that he had “not helped himself” at times when it came to criticism of his defensive performance after Liverpool narrowly defeated Leicester 2-1 on Friday. His ability to be a creative outlet on the right, where he registered his first assist of the year for Alex Oxlade-header, Chamberlain was also on display when he was caught at the far post for Yoane Wissa’s goal.
Ibrahima Konate (5/10)
After an injury and a World Cup run, Konate was making his first start in over two months. It was a challenging night for Konate as Brentford targeted the gap behind Liverpool’s defense. Given the potential absence of Virgil van Dijk, he did appear calmer and more collected as the game settled in the second half. Was pushed off the ball for Bryan Mbeumo’s game-winning goal, and he wanted a foul, but it was simply too weak.
Virgil Van Dijk (5/10)
Van Dijk’s first substitute since the FA Cup final and the earliest since his ACL injury at Everton in 2020 was arguably necessary, even though it appears he injured himself in the first half. Throughout the first half, Brentford exposed Liverpool’s left flank, and a sluggish skipper contributed to a shaky 45-minute performance. However, considering Van Dijk’s continued importance, let’s hope it’s not a significant problem.
Kostas Tsimikas (4/10)
A substitute for Andy Robertson, Tsimikas battled to fill in after Scot’s dead leg before getting caught at halftime. He made a poor pass that led to Wissa’s second goal being disallowed, and he was then caught short when Harvey Elliott dummied into danger during the buildup to the goal that ultimately stood.
Midfielders
Fabinho (6.5/10)
It is heartening to see Fabinho closer to the midfield general we grew to anticipate after a decline in the form to see him back in the mix after missing the Leicester game due to the birth of his baby. But he can’t do it alone because the Brazilian, who was hired to fill in for Thiago, is being pushed to do too much.
Harvey Elliott (3.5/10)
Jurgen Klopp trusted Elliott despite a lackluster performance at Anfield days before because Jordan Henderson was absent with a concussion, and the teenager struggled once more. He appears lost in midfield right now, unable to contribute enough on the ball and providing very little of it. Because other players aren’t available, Klopp is forced to rely on him too much.
Thiago (6/10)
Thiago, who was outstanding against Leicester, had a bit more hit-and-hope at the Gtech Community Stadium, but his quality still shone through in his shimmies and pokes in confined spaces.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (5.5/10)
Although Salah is collaborating nicely upfront with Darwin Nunez, the Egyptian was below average versus Leicester and isn’t performing at his best this time either. Getting used to a somewhat different position as a secondary nuisance may take some time, but Liverpool could need more from their No. 11 as they struggle to control games.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7.5/10)
Despite the fact that it is seen as a shop-window run for Oxlade-Chamberlain, there have been encouraging signals from the 29-year-old in the absence of important strikers and with Cody Gakpo ineligible. This was undoubtedly the case once more on Monday when Klopp’s lesser-noticed utility player was bright and active and scored his first goal in over a year with ease.
Darwin Nunez (7/10)
Nunez nearly scored a stunning goal in the first half, but the ball was cleared off the line. Two minutes into the second half, Nunez expertly scored, but he was caught offside. Then, as Liverpool sought an equalizer, he shanked one dreadfully wide and was penalized for an unnecessary foul during a corner play. Overall, though, the advantages still outweigh the disadvantages for a player whose impressive results run counter to the careless portrayals in the media.
Substitutions
Naby Keita (6.5/10)
Keita, a strong contender to start the following game, at least made an effort to uplift the midfield.
Joel Matip (6/10)
Offered one of his now-famous deep runs, including one that gave Keita a chance.
Andy Robertson (6.5/10)
As acting captain, He attempted to rouse the men and put Liverpool on the offensive.
