Premier League: Slot's Liverpool Make a Statement with Brentford Win

Liverpool fans love a folk hero, and if this win is followed by another at Manchester United next Sunday, Arne Slot might just be the next one. The Dutchman’s attention is needed in midfield and defence, as both looked vulnerable against Brentford, but the attack was as lethal as the Anfield faithful demanded.

An hour in, Liverpool put on a show of prime Slot-ball. Mohamed Salah, who had been quiet, burst into life, driving into Brentford’s area before setting up Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder returned the favour with a sublime pass, allowing Salah to go close to doubling the lead after Luis Díaz’s opener. Moments later, Salah forced Brentford keeper Mark Flekken into a low save, preventing a second for Díaz.

Diogo Jota created the opening goal, and as Slot’s side increased the tempo, Nathan Collins blocked another chance for Brentford, following a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner that had already struck the post.

ExoTickets.com is the United Kingdom's deluxe source of Premier League tickets. Get your tickets now to experience the atmosphere LIVE.

Salah’s second goal in as many games came next, with Díaz turning provider. The Colombian’s chip found Salah, who finished with precision to beat Flekken. Salah’s grin was mirrored by Slot’s joy on the touchline, as the Dutchman could hardly have hoped for a better first home game.

Slot acknowledged that there were areas to improve after last week’s 2-0 win at Ipswich, and some vulnerabilities were again evident. Brentford had their chances, with Yoane Wissa exploiting space down Alexander-Arnold’s side. Dominik Szoboszlai chased Wissa, but a poorly directed cross spared Liverpool from conceding.

Liverpool's defence was tested again, but they escaped unscathed. Ibrahima Konaté’s strong header cleared a Brentford corner, leading to a swift counter. Jota’s perfect timing released Díaz, who curled his run before firing a left-footed shot past Flekken.

A dream start for Slot’s tenure at Anfield nearly turned into two goals as Díaz set up Jota, only for Flekken to deny the No 9 at close range. Salah, Szoboszlai, Alexander-Arnold, Díaz, and Jota were relentless in their passing and movement, overwhelming Brentford.

Christian Nørgaard resorted to fouling Díaz to stop Liverpool’s momentum, drawing sarcastic cheers from the home crowd. Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick, however, did not trouble Flekken.

With his newly cropped hair, Salah looks younger, but his strong-arm foul on Jensen was a risky move. From the resulting free-kick, Nørgaard, unchallenged, missed the target with a header, highlighting how Liverpool’s dominance had waned.

Liverpool continued to press, with Alexander-Arnold’s left-footed rocket deflecting for a corner, but it led to nothing. Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter then tested Alisson with a low shot, but the Liverpool keeper was equal to it.

At half-time, Slot likely urged his team to balance their attacking flair with defensive solidity. The attacking zest continued into the second half, with Jota’s overhead kick falling to Robertson, who missed a close-range header. Defensive frailties persisted, as Mbeumo’s shot resulted in another Brentford corner, but Liverpool scrambled to clear.

Liverpool’s second goal came soon after, with Alexander-Arnold pushing Brentford back down the right flank. A clever pass to Jota ended with a wasted opportunity, but the result was already sealed. In front of a record league attendance of 61,276, and under the watchful eye of owner John W Henry, Slot’s Anfield debut couldn’t have gone much better.

ExoTickets.com is the UK's deluxe source of Premier League tickets. Get your tickets now to experience the atmosphere LIVE.