Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen admitted a plan of bombarding Liverpool's box was executed to great effect during their 3-1 victory on Monday evening.
Jurgen Klopp's side were left chasing shadows during the opening 45 minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium and found themselves two goals down at the break after a dismal collective showing. The Reds rallied after the restart, though failed to find an equaliser to capitalise on Tottenham Hotspur's defeat by Aston Villa.
Exposed by the very same tactics the Bees employed during last season's 3-3 draw between the sides, Liverpool remained unable to deal with balls played into the penalty area from open play and set-pieces.
READ MORE: FSG seal Liverpool deal as new midfielders finally arrive - predictions for 2023
ANALYSIS: Harvey Elliott change needed as two players offer hope to Jurgen Klopp
Brentford's opener arrived from a corner kick as Ben Mee's header deflected off Ibrahima Konate and past Alisson, with Yoane Wissa adding a second just before half-time after connecting with Jensen's ball into the box.
Speaking after the game, Jensen made clear Brentford's strategy had paid off after benefitting from their aerial ability to claim three points. “We know that Liverpool are very good on the ball, but with the fighting spirit we have, especially at home when the fans get going, we are hard to play against. That’s why we came out with the win," he told brentfordfc.com.
“We always talk about filling out the box with people. If we can then cross first time, it’s very hard to defend. We talk a lot about it so, after two disallowed goals, it was fantastic to see. Of course, we didn’t want them to score straight after half-time, but the key was to keep following the tactical plan that we had. We know that we’re very good in a low block and that if our crosses are perfect, and the timing is perfect, it’s very hard to defend against. We don’t change our plan; we just keep going. We did very well after the goal.
“Teams fear coming here: our set-pieces and our fans. When they [fans] get going, it is so good. It gives us a great boost to hear them cheering for us."
READ NEXT:
- FSG 'non-negotiable' position is under threat and it could set Liverpool back years
- Jurgen Klopp makes 'unavailable players' point after Liverpool beaten by Brentford
- Liverpool have crossed unforgivable line as Alisson quietly hints at huge problem
- Liverpool player ratings as Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas and Harvey Elliott awful vs Brentford
- Liverpool 'exploring innovative £44m deal' to sign Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes
