Liverpool suffer fourth straight loss as Brentford beat them 3-2

Liverpool suffered a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat on Saturday as Brentford beat the champions 3-2 at Gtech Community Stadium, leaving Arne Slot’s side seventh in the table and facing a widening gap behind leaders Arsenal. The loss, following setbacks to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Manchester United, deepened concern about Liverpool’s defence and overall form early in the campaign.

The match exposed recurring defensive vulnerabilities. Brentford scored from set pieces and on the break, and Liverpool conceded a second-half penalty after Virgil van Dijk was penalised for a foul that was converted. The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine successive matches and have shipped 21 goals in 14 games across all competitions this term, figures that underline a marked deterioration from this point last season.

Captain Virgil van Dijk urged collective accountability after the defeat, saying players must “look in the mirror” and that responsibility rests with the whole squad, including himself. “We will get out of this, but we will not do it just by talking about it,” he added, calling for continued support from fans and a renewed focus in training. Manager Arne Slot...