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Daily Mirror

Sport

John Cross

Liverpool player ratings as dreadful Reds duo score 4/10 in Brentford defeat

Brentford Jurgen Klopp Bryan Mbeumo Ibrahima Konate Darwin Nunez Christian Norgaard Naby Keita Yoane Wissa Alisson Andy Robertson

There should be no excuses or hard luck stories.

Instead, it should serve as a warning to Jurgen Klopp after Brentford took Liverpool apart. This felt like a defeat which should underline the huge task facing Klopp because Liverpool looked an ageing team in need of a major rebuild if they are to remain successful.

Brentford deserve huge credit for another sensational performance in a season which has seen them beat Manchester United, Manchester City and now mighty Liverpool. And they managed this one without injured top scorer Ivan Toney.

But Liverpool’s defending was so weak and timid it was an open invitation for Brentford who feasted on their frailties. Brentford scored two first half goals after high balls into the box, had another two ruled out by VAR for offside and the scoreline actually flattered Liverpool.

Virgil van Dijk was substituted at half time, Ibrahima Konate was just brushed aside when man of the match Bryan Mbeumo raced through to score the third and Liverpool should feel embarrassed about even complaining it was a foul.

If they think a big, powerful centre half like Konate can go down so easily then they really have got problems at Anfield. Klopp stood on the touchline, a big smile on his face and looking bemused at the whole situation.

This was a proper drubbing and even Liverpool’s attempt at a second half comeback never quite materialised and this must go down as the worst display of the season.

Incredibly, Liverpool now find themselves closer to the bottom three than the top as they are a staggering 15 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Where will Liverpool finish in the table? Have your say in the comments below.

Liverpool were well below their best in the shock defeat to Brentford (Getty Images)

Liverpool were dreadful defensively but they are so clearly lacking in midfield and their worry must be that if they wait until the summer to strengthen then they will be out of the Champions League by then.

They had won their previous four Premier League games but to suggest this is not anything but Klopp’s biggest test then would be papering over the cracks.

Liverpool went close early on when Darwin Nunez had an effort cleared off the line by Ben Mee but it quickly became about their defending being ruthlessly exposed.

Mbeumo outpaced van Dijk but saw his shot pushed away by Liverpool keeper Alisson. From the resulting Mbeumo corner, Liverpool’s defenders failed to clear at the near post, it deflected off Konate and went in after just 19 minutes.

Brentford knew they had revealed Liverpool’s weak spot. After all, they drew with Liverpool 3-3 here last season. Twice VAR saved Liverpool when Mbeumo put over corners, Klopp’s defence failed to deal with them and yet twice Yoane Wissa had efforts ruled out for offside.

Virgil van Dijk watches on from the bench after being substituted (Getty Images)

But finally Brentford were rewarded. Mbeumo played the ball back for Mathias Jensen, his curling cross found Wissa whose flicked header flew past Alisson who desperately tried to keep it out but could not stop it crossing the line.

Klopp had seen enough at half time. Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott and van Dijk were all substituted for Andy Robertson, Naby Keita and Joel Matip respectively. Suddenly Liverpool had a new energy and belief. They were back in the hunt.

Nunez had the ball in the net but VAR showed he was offside. But they did not have to wait much longer. Trent Alexander-Arnold ’s wonderful left foot cross found Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain glanced home in the 50th minute.

Mo Salah and Nunez both wasted half chances. But Liverpool never really laid siege. Instead, Brentford got another which they deserved. Keita lost possession, Christian Norgaard’s long diagonal ball found Mbeumo who shrugged off Konate before slotting home.

What a win for Brentford. But what a dreadful result for Klopp and Liverpool. Klopp has enjoyed a wonderful reign at Liverpool, unprecedented success but he will know a bigger job lies ahead.