Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has conceded Liverpool were aware of Brentford's key strengths ahead of yesterday's defeat but failed to rise to the challenge of nullifying threats posed by Thomas Frank's side.
Undone by set-pieces and balls being played into the box, the Reds suffered the same outcome as when the sides met at the Gtech Community Stadium last season despite being spared having to handle the prolific Ivan Toney.
Brentford's first and second goals came from headed efforts Alisson could not keep out and saw two additional set-piece goals ruled out by VAR, sparing Liverpool's blushes before the break.
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Adamant the Reds were clear of what to expect against their opponents, though nonetheless struggled, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: "Brentford play their game and they play it really well. We fell into the trap of that a little bit but, overall, it wasn't good enough. We had enough information about those threats before the game. It's one thing hearing about it in our meetings before the game - and the coaching staff did everything they could to make us aware - and it played out differently.
"As a group of men, we didn't take that challenge on well enough and maybe we weren't aggressive enough. The things we were warned about ended up killing us, and that's what is disappointing. In any fixture in the Premier League when you're 2-0 down, it's going to be an uphill battle from there."
Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled one goal back for the Reds at the start of the second half, heading home following Trent Alexander-Arnold's expert delivery into the box. Occupying a left wing role in the absence of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, the former Arsenal man admitted to learning from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane regarding making a difference within the final third.
"I’ve watched Sadio and Mo play that position for years and one thing that they have both done outstandingly well is provide goals for the team. Obviously it’s a bit different when Darwin is playing through the middle because he is such a threat in behind, and usually when Bobby plays that role he’s the one that drops a bit deeper and it fills the half space," the 29-year-old told LFCTV.
"So, that’s been kind of my role from there, being the one that drops deep and tries to link but then ultimately get up with Darwin’s pace and Mo’s pace and get in and around the box. That’s the thing I think in the last few games, I’ve been missing that real goal threat. So, it was nice to get that chance and take it. But it’s a shame it doesn’t mean anything and the overriding feeling is disappointment."
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