By Victor Kanayo
Liverpool fell to a fifth English Premier League (EPL) defeat after low-fancied Brentford punished their defensive frailties to emerge 3-1 victors in a single game decided at the Community Stadium.
In a desperate first half, Liverpool conceded two poor goals amid an inspired performance from the hosts.
The opener came when Ibrahima Konate, fresh from 2022 World Cup deflected a corner into his own net after 19 minutes.
Liverpool were unable to deal with Brentford’s set-pieces, conceding twice more from corners in the first half only for both goals to be ruled out for offside.
Darwin Nunez had an early opportunity cleared off the line for the visitors before Ibrahima Konate was unfortunate to see a right-wing corner divert off his knee and into his own net on 19 minutes.
The home team continued to look the more likely and had two further efforts from set pieces chalked off by VAR before Yoane Wissa headed beyond Alisson three minutes prior to the break.
Jurgen Klopp responded by making a trio of half-time changes – including the departure of captain Virgil van Dijk – and the Reds boss got an almost immediate response.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his 100th league appearance for the club by nodding in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s lovely cross on 50 minutes.
Liverpool were much-improved and dominated for long spells throughout the second period but could not muster an equaliser, leaving Bryan Mbeumo to rub salt in their wounds by firing in a clincher six minutes from time.
The result means Liverpool stay sixth and remain four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United having played a game more.
Brentford move up to seventh and are now just two points behind the Merseysiders.
Liverpool will welcome Wolves in the FA Cup on Saturday while Brentford are at home to West Ham.
