Liverpool's Struggles Deepen with Fourth Straight EPL Loss Against Brentford

Liverpool’s Season Hits a Rough Patch

Liverpool, the defending Premier League champions, have hit a concerning patch in the 2025-26 season, suffering their fourth consecutive league defeat. This streak matches their total number of losses from the entire previous season, but it came in just nine games, highlighting a significant struggle for Arne Slot's side. The recent 3-2 loss to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in London saw Liverpool drop to sixth place with 15 points. Despite an optimistic start with five straight wins, their form declined sharply with successive defeats including heavy losses in London matches against Crystal Palace and Chelsea prior to facing Brentford.

A Match Full of Drama and Defensive Errors

Liverpool fell behind early, conceding two goals in the first half – a volley from Dango Ouattara just five minutes in and a goal by Kevin Schade before halftime. Although Milos Kerkez pulled one back right before the break, Liverpool's defensive frailties were exposed again after the break. The critical moment came when Virgil van Dijk fouled Ouattara near the penalty area line. After a VAR review, the free-kick was changed to a penalty, converted by Igor Thiago to restore Brentford’s two-goal cushion. Mohamed Salah’s late goal rekindled hope but came too late to prevent the defeat.

Van Dijk and Slot Reflect on the Difficult Night

Van Dijk expressed frustration with the penalty decision, revealing the referee told him the foul was right on the penalty box line, a borderline call that ended up costing Liverpool dearly. The veteran defender acknowledged the overall disappointing performance but stressed the need for the team to keep pushing despite the results. Meanwhile, Arne Slot labeled this defeat among his most disappointing in charge and cited the challenge of integrating numerous summer signings totaling over £400 million as a factor in their struggles. He also noted the tough schedule, with five away games in six matches, as an additional obstacle during this difficult run.

Fan and Community Reaction: Concern and Hope

The Liverpool fanbase has reacted with a mix of concern and frustration at the club’s current form. Many are questioning the defensive lapses and the pace of integration for new players under Slot’s system. However, there remains hope that with adjustments and time, Liverpool can recover their form. The Reds' current predicament highlights how even champions can face tough hurdles, keeping the Premier League race wide open and unpredictable. Brentford’s victory boosted them to 10th place, adding excitement to the mid-table battles.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool now faces critical upcoming fixtures where they must halt their losing streak to remain competitive in the title race. With the league leaders Arsenal four points ahead, every match counts for Slot’s team. The pressure to break this negative spiral will test the champions’ resilience and adaptability as the season progresses.