Liverpool FC’s struggles continued as they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on October 25, 2025. With this loss, the team has now recorded four consecutive defeats, raising questions about head coach Arne Slot and his ability to turn the season around.
In earlier matches against Crystal Palace and Chelsea, Liverpool could point to misfortunes such as conceding late goals. Their performance against Manchester United, where they dominated possession yet failed to score, provided additional reasons for frustration. However, the defeat to Brentford exposed deeper issues within the squad that cannot be easily attributed to circumstances.
The match showcased Liverpool’s inability to maintain composure under pressure. Players repeatedly put the ball out of play during minimal challenges, illustrating a lack of focus and urgency. Basic defensive errors compounded the situation, alongside a noticeable absence of desire, especially during a lackluster 20-minute period after half-time. During this stretch, Liverpool failed to register a single shot while Brentford seized control of the match.
Despite these shortcomings, Slot attempted to justify his team’s performance in the post-match press conference. He emphasized that the five away games out of their last six fixtures could be a factor in their poor form. While this is a valid observation, it raises the question of whether a team with Liverpool’s historically strong away record should be using travel as an excuse for underperformance.
The reality is stark: Liverpool has lost four of those five away matches, including defeats to top teams such as Chelsea and Galatasaray. As Liverpool finds themselves with only one team in Europe’s top five leagues performing worse than them, the focus shifts from logistical challenges to fundamental issues on the pitch.
Slot acknowledged the quick turnaround from a midweek match against Eintracht Frankfurt. He noted that such scheduling can hinder preparation, particularly against a physical team like Brentford. Yet, with the depth of Liverpool’s squad, these logistical challenges should not diminish accountability for the basic mistakes witnessed during the game.
A contentious penalty decision further complicated matters for Liverpool. Slot described the call against Virgil van Dijk as “soft,” suggesting that both sides could have been penalized for their actions in the box. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about van Dijk’s form, which has dipped significantly in recent matches.
Amid the turmoil, Slot reflected on the impact of squad changes. He acknowledged that significant summer transfers could contribute to the team’s inconsistency. While it is true that Liverpool has seen key players depart, the decisions to part with these individuals were largely strategic and financially motivated. The absence of players like Luis Diaz is felt acutely, as Liverpool’s new signings have struggled to meet expectations thus far.
Brentford’s game plan was effective, relying on physicality and direct play to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses. Their tactical approach included long throws and set-pieces, areas where Liverpool showed vulnerability. The visitors repeatedly faltered in maintaining possession and clearing their lines, which allowed Brentford to capitalize.
Slot commended Brentford’s overall performance but criticized his own players for failing to execute fundamental tasks. Liverpool’s inability to win second balls and dominate midfield duels raises serious concerns about their current form. With several players underperforming, the excuses for their struggles are quickly running thin.
As Liverpool heads deeper into the season, the urgency for improvement intensifies. Without significant changes in both performance and mindset, the club may find itself facing a long and challenging road ahead. The pressure on Arne Slot and his squad is mounting as they seek to reclaim their competitive edge in the league.
