Good night!published at 19:30 British Summer Time 25 August
And on that note we shall bid you farewell.
No games above the Conference on Bank Holiday Monday and guess what's back on Tuesday? Yes, we're here for some League Cup action.
See you there!
Summary
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford: Diaz with opener & Salah doubles lead
FT: Wolves 2-6 Chelsea - Jackson heads early opener, Cunha levels, Palmer restores lead, Strand Larsen levels again before Madueke hat-trick & goal for Joao Felix
FT: Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle - Tavernier puts hosts in front, Gordon levels
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Good night!published at 19:30 British Summer Time 25 August
'All different clubs could be coming in for Toney'published at 19:26 British Summer Time 25 August
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Brentford
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Where will we see Ivan Toney play next?
Brentford manager Thomas Frank speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think we were very good first half. I think the first half was completely even. We had a big chance so if we score that it is 1-1. We couldn't keep up as well in the second half. I think fair and square Liverpool wins but I am pleased with the first-half performance.
"I always say I think they are one of the best offensive teams in the world because they can create from all angles."
On Ivan Toney's future: "I don't know. We find out on Friday. We will know something on Friday. Everything could be done on Friday. All different clubs could be coming in for Ivan so let's see."
On adding players to his squad: "I think we are always in the market. We will always see if we can strengthen the squad so let's see."
'A lot to prove for us in the upcoming weeks and months'published at 19:25 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaking to BBC Match of the Day:
On winning his first two league games: "The players came back after three weeks of holiday and in most cases two weeks before the start of the games but they came back really strong physically.
"Compliment to the players for how they came back and like I have said we haven't changed much compared to the former regime, so it is not so difficult for them to start playing again. That was a very positive thing."
On his first competitive experience of Anfield: "The fans loved to see the team playing really well but they also loved to see the team working very hard. I liked what I saw so if I like it then mostly the fans like it. So it was a very good day for us.
"Again we won against Ipswich, won against Brentford. Two good teams but I am not expecting them to be in the top six in the upcoming year so still a lot to prove for us in the upcoming weeks and months."
'The only thing we didn't do is kill the game earlier.'published at 19:23 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
LiverpoolLiverpool boss Arne Slot speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a good start. Most importantly we did not concede much. The only big chance we conceded was a set piece and that is always so difficult when you play Brentford. They can threaten in many ways but one is certainly set pieces, and we controlled that quite well apart from that one moment.
"One of their set pieces also led to our first goal, which was pleasing to see.
"To get a great start like this you have to work really hard. The boys kept on working really, really hard without the ball which saw us get better and better and better throughout the second half. That led to many good chances. The only thing we didn't do is kill the game earlier."
On control Liverpool had in the second half: "What I mean when I say control is what we also do when we are without the ball. We work really hard for the other team not to create anything at all. With the ball we tried to get into situations where we want our best players to be in and that worked well in the second half.
"Nine out of ten games if you get equal chances to the opponent it is likely that we win. We have got one of the best, maybe the best goalkeeper in the league and we have some very good attackers as well. What we do as staff is get them in this positions and then the players work hard to make sure the other team doesn't create."
'We gave Alexander-Arnold freedom'published at 19:19 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaking on Sky Sports, discussing his utilisation of Trent Alexander-Arnold: "I think Trent has many qualities, and one of them is the crosses from the side. If we only play him in the midfield he can only pass the ball, which he can of course do quite well. But I also want him in dangerous crossing positions.
"We try to influence players as much as we can before the game to say where could open gaps for you to come in. Nine times out of 10 the teams do something different than against other teams. He has the freedom to go anywhere. Trent is a difficult one to play against."
On what he expects from his team: "If I am honest, I think most players are quite used to what we want but that has a lot to do with us not doing much different to what Jurgen has done. There are details maybe a bit different but it also has to do with the opponents you face. Ipswich and Brentford made it very tough for us today but I am not expecting them in the top six this season so we have to improve to make sure we can do it against teams that can end up in the top six."
'Liverpool fans saw performances like this under Klopp'published at 19:15 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool manager Arne Slot speaking on Sky Sports: "Our defensive performance we had today was great. The only chances we conceded were from set-pieces and on top of that, we created many good chances, especially in the second half."
On comparisons between him and Jurgen Klopp: "I think Liverpool fans saw these performances under Jurgen Klopp many, many, many times. I want to see everybody sprinting back and doing everything they can to avoid conceding a goal and that's what we did very well today.
"If you keep on insisting in what you do, the execution becomes better. Brentford didn't have the legs anymore to defend us."
'Liverpool still have crazy quality all over the pitch.'published at 19:11 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Brentford
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Brentford boss Thomas Frank speaking to BBC Match of the Day:
On difference of facing Arne Slot v Jurgen Klopp: "There were not many. It is the same players, they have been playing the same way for eight or nine years, not all of them but a lot of them. They still have crazy quality all over the pitch. They are still dangerous on offensive transitions, they scored two goals from that.
"There was a few little bits in the structure and the build up play - they were the bigger differences."
Any more business this window? "I think we have done some good business. We got in Igor [Thiago], Fabio [Carvalho], Sepp [van den Berg], they are all so young and talented and can grow. So I am actually very pleased with that. Of course we are in the market. If there is a good deal to be done then we will do it. But no urgency."
On Ivan Toney: "Nothing to tell you. I hope I don't have to answer many more questions like this in the future, but it is what it is. I have already said if Ivan is here, good, if he is not here then also good. Let's see what happens."
'It was a fair and square Liverpool win.'published at 19:10 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
BrentfordBrentford boss Thomas Frank speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "A game of two halves. We were very good first half, in a very even game, our pressing, our possession, our defending was good. We tried to get on the ball and create things.
"They had the goal that they scored where we need to do better from a corner. We are this close to getting the first contact on it and where we need to do better, and in the perfect world we need to do better with the two versus two. We must do that.
"We got a free header for Christian Norgaard from a wide free kick, so it was just the small things that split the teams in the first half.
"Second half we couldn't keep the performance up, Liverpool lifted their level, or maybe we could not keep up. Nathan Collins had a good chance before the two nil goal. But overall you can't argue it was a fair and square Liverpool win."
On if his side were in the game: "Yes we were. I felt as though they were on top but at one nil in any game you always have a chance. Unfortunately we could not do it."
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:08 British Summer Time 25 August
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My sense is at least two of Salah, Van Dijk and Trent will leave at the end of the season but also there's a good chance all three will go as I can't see why else the club have let it get to this stage. You can argue age with Salah and Van Dijk but with Trent I don't understand. Most clubs would have sorted his extension years ago.
Michael
'Let's make it an amazing season'published at 19:03 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, ReutersLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think it was good game. We didn't concede many chances, scored good goals and so many good things. Maybe a couple of things we have to improve and lots of things we can build on.
"I think at times we could have been a little more patient and let them run from side to side a bit more. I think if we stayed more calm we could have more space at times but it is still a work in progress. It's a good time and hopefully we have so much to improve and go for it."
On working with Arne Slot "I was excited. The responsibility I have on the pitch has always been there but in possession and the way we play, centre-backs are important to the way the manager wants to play."
On a second clean sheet in two matches: "It gives confidence and it should be a credit to the whole team of course."
On playing 100 games at Anfield with just two losses: "That's not bad and I am really proud of it. I am still gutted about the two losses! I am proud of that. It is home and home should feel very comfortable. Credit to the fans and the team. Let's make it an amazing season and then we will see."
'There is nothing big I need or want.'published at 19:01 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
BrentfordMore from Brentford boss Thomas Frank speaking to Sky Sports:
On if the side miss a main striker: "No. When we beat Liverpool at home a few years ago we played with Wissa and Bryan [Mbeumo] up front. So no."
The games ahead with his current squad: "I think I've got a good squad. We have done some good business I must admit. There is nothing big I need or want."
Will Ivan Toney stay at the club beyond the deadline? "Maybe. I don't know."
Postpublished at 19:00 British Summer Time 25 August
A reminder that Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season.
'This club holds a special place in my heart'published at 19:00 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
LiverpoolLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk speaking on Sky Sports about his future: "I am very calm. The thing is, I want to play the best season I can. I want to be important and stay important for the club, Then we will see. Everything happens for a reason but for now, there have been no changes in my situation. I am very calm about it and there is no reason for me to start thinking for something else. I have a whole season left to play.
"I am proud and [Anfield] is home and it is a special place and what I said before, whatever happens in the future, Anfield is a special place in my heart. Let's see what the season brings.
"I am not playing football to lose or not become successful. It is not guaranteed but I want to win. We know how difficult that is. But playing for Liverpool, one of if not the best clubs in the world, there are expectations. I am really enjoying it so far and there is still so much to improve. Let's see what the season brings."
'We have to focus on the future, we have something to build on'published at 18:57 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, EPALiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk speaking on Sky Sports: "We all defend together. You see how quickly we are to get behind the ball and it is a good start and we have something to build on and we have to see [what will happen]."
On Arne Slot vs Jurgen Klopp: "The time with Jurgen is amazing and the time with the new boss is a joy and he has a certain way of playing. We work a lot on so many good things and you see a lot with and without the ball that gives confidence to the team. We have to, I won't say forget about the Jurgen period, but that is in the past and we had an amazing time and now it is a time for the new boss to hopefully be successful. That's why we have to focus on that, not have comparisons and all of this stuff in my opinion.
"We don't have new players so far but obviously [I have] that extra responsibility because I know the players inside and out. But I am here for him [Slot]. I told him that from day one and I will help them and the backroom staff. I want to be successful and we are in the same boat. There is extra responsibility there."
'Second half Liverpool went up a notch.'published at 18:53 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
BrentfordBrentford boss Thomas Frank speaking to Sky Sports: "A game of two halves. We were very good first half, I thought it was very even, in the stats and everything. They scored the goal from our mistake which is a situation here you either take the ball or the man, and then we need to defend the two on two situation better.
"We have a great chance with Chris Norgaard, a free header. And another chance. Our pressing and our overall build up were good. So an even game, maybe our best first half here at Anfield.
"Second half Liverpool went up a notch. We still had a good chance through Nathan Collins at 1-0, so we had the chances. We did not create enough today. In the end Liverpool win fair and square."
On lessons to take ahead of three difficult away games: "The first half, then can we take and build into 60, then 70 and so on amount of minutes into a game.
"We just know Liverpool is a good team. For me City, Arsenal and Liverpool are the three that are a little bit ahead of everyone else, some of the best teams in Europe. We hoped for more, we came here to try and win, but we couldn't do it."
'We are forwards, we live for goals.'published at 18:49 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesMan of the match Luis Diaz speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a very nice move. I always try to help the team in the best way I can. We always say to score, for us the numbers are important because we are forwards. We live for goals, so I am very happy. I am happy for the team, we did a good job which is the important thing. Now we try and rest up for what's to come."
'Saved some. Didn't save enough. Lost the game'published at 18:47 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Brentford
Image source, Getty ImagesBrentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a tough game. I think we did well in the first half. We had to find our way in the first 15 minutes but we found our rhythm and then we should have done better on the transition when we conceded. It seemed like they stepped their game up in the second half and from their second goal it was like a finished game.
"With the offensive forwards they have you know it is a tough match every time you come here. You prepare yourself to stop as much as possible. I saved some, didn't save enough, lost the game.
"There are a lot of positive things. We had some good moments with the ball, maybe we should do better at finding that link up to our forwards. That is something to analyse. We have a game on Wednesday so we have a chance to win."
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 18:45 British Summer Time 25 August
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Arne Slot has won his first two games with four goals scored, none conceded and some sumptuous football played - yet all some pundits can think to say is, "It's alright but it's not Jurgen Klopp." Good grief, poor bloke will be living in his predecessor's shadow all season. And I say this as someone who adored Klopp.
Tom
'Everyone is working hard to get into Arne's ideas'published at 18:43 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister speaking to Sky Sports: "We played a fantastic game. The team gave everything from the first minute which you could see and it was a good game. In possession and without the ball it was good so we are really pleased."
On his thoughts for the season ahead: "We know there is still room for improvement. In the transition sometimes we need to be patient but instead we are quite direct but we are in that transition [towards that style]. Everyone is working hard to get into Arne's ideas."
On Man Utd game next: "We know against Man Utd it is a derby, it is very important for the club and for us. We will prepare during the week and do our best to win that game."
Home bankerpublished at 18:39 British Summer Time 25 August
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
Image source, Getty ImagesI have just read that this was Virgil van Dijk's 100th Premier League game for Liverpool at Anfield. He has lost two.
Ridiculous.
Premier League Scores & Fixtures
Premier League Table
On Sunday 25th August
- Liverpool, Position 4, Points 6
- Brentford, Position 13, Points 3
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 14 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 15 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
| |
| 18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
| |
| 19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
| |
| 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1 - 4 : UEFA Champions League
- Position 5 : UEFA Europa League
- Position 18 - 20 : Relegation
Team Lineups
Referee:
Video Assistant Referee:
home team, Liverpool
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
- Number 1, Alisson Becker
- Number 26, A. Robertson
- Number 4, V. van Dijk , Captain
- Number 5, I. Konaté
- Number 66, T. Alexander-Arnold , substituted for C. Bradley at 73 minutes
- Number 10, A. Mac Allister
- Number 38, R. Gravenberch , Yellow Card at 38 minutes, substituted for W. Endō at 91 minutes
- Number 7, L. Díaz , substituted for C. Gakpo at 72 minutes
- Number 8, D. Szoboszlai , Yellow Card at 30 minutes
- Number 11, Mohamed Salah , substituted for H. Elliott at 83 minutes
- Number 20, Diogo Jota , substituted for D. Núñez at 72 minutes
away team, Brentford
Manager: Thomas Frank
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
- Number 1, M. Flekken
- Number 20, K. Ajer
- Number 5, E. Pinnock
- Number 22, N. Collins
- Number 30, M. Roerslev
- Number 23, K. Lewis-Potter , substituted for M. Damsgaard at 66 minutes
- Number 27, V. Janelt , substituted for F. Onyeka at 73 minutes
- Number 6, C. Nørgaard , Captain, Yellow Card at 40 minutes
- Number 8, M. Jensen , Yellow Card at 45 minutes, substituted for Fábio Carvalho at 66 minutes
- Number 11, Y. Wissa , substituted for K. Schade at 73 minutes
- Number 19, B. Mbeumo , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 4
Substitutes
home team, Liverpool
- Number 78, J. Quansah
- Number 84, C. Bradley
- Number 19, H. Elliott
- Number 3, W. Endō
- Number 18, C. Gakpo
- Number 2, J. Gomez
- Number 62, C. Kelleher
- Number 9, D. Núñez
- Number 21, K. Tsimikas
away team, Brentford
- Number 14, Fábio Carvalho
- Number 24, M. Damsgaard
- Number 16, B. Mee
- Number 15, F. Onyeka
- Number 7, K. Schade
- Number 28, R. Trevitt
- Number 12, H. Valdimarsson
- Number 18, Y. Yarmoliuk
- Number 4, S. van den Berg
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Simon Bennett
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Dan Robathan
- Fourth Official:
- Anthony Taylor
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Matt Wilkes
Match Officials
Match Stats
Key, Liverpool v BrentfordOverall Possession
Shots
Liverpool 19Brentford 8Shots on target
Liverpool 8Brentford 2Shots off target
Liverpool 4Brentford 3Blocked shots
Liverpool 7Brentford 3Total touches in the box
Liverpool 42Brentford 10Goalkeeper saves
Liverpool 2Brentford 6Aerial duels won
Liverpool 6Brentford 8Fouls
Liverpool 10Brentford 7Corners
Liverpool 9Brentford 4Season so far
Premier League
Key, Liverpool v Brentford
League position, Liverpool 2nd, Brentford 6thTotal points, Liverpool 9, Brentford 6
Goals scored
Liverpool 7Brentford 5Shots
Liverpool 33Brentford 27Shots on target
Liverpool 16Brentford 14Shots off target
Liverpool 17Brentford 13Blocked shots
Liverpool 15Brentford 10Passing accuracy %
Liverpool 87.59Brentford 81.69Form guide
All competitions
Liverpool won
v Ipswich Town
0
2
Premier League
Brentford won
v Crystal Palace
2
1
Premier League
Liverpool draw
v Las Palmas
0
0
Club Friendlies
Brentford draw
v Wolfsburg
4
4
Club Friendlies
Liverpool won
v Sevilla
4
1
Club Friendlies
Brentford draw
v Watford
1
1
Club Friendlies
Liverpool won
v Manchester United
0
3
Club Friendlies
Brentford lose
v Estrela
3
1
Club Friendlies
Liverpool won
v Arsenal
2
1
Club Friendlies
Brentford draw
v Benfica
1
1
Club Friendlies
Previous meetings
All competitions
Liverpool and BrentfordLiverpool Won 8Brentford Won 4Draw 4
Played
16
Previous scores
All competitions
Premier League
Brentford 1 , Liverpool 4 on the 17th of February 2024
Brentford
Liverpool
17th of February 2024
Liverpool 3 , Brentford 0 on the 12th of November 2023
Liverpool
Brentford
12th of November 2023
Liverpool 1 , Brentford 0 on the 6th of May 2023
Liverpool
Brentford
6th of May 2023
- Skip back to previous scores
- Skip back to previous meetings
- Skip back to form guide
- Skip back to season so far
Match Facts
In a run stretching back to 1939, Liverpool have won each of their last five home games against Brentford, keeping a clean sheet each time.
Brentford have won just one of their six Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D1 L4). At least one team has scored 3+ goals in five of those six games, with the exception being a 1-0 win for the Reds in May 2023.
Liverpool have lost just two of their last 61 Premier League home games (W46 D13), while they haven’t lost at Anfield in the opening month of the season since 2015 (0-3 v West Ham).
Liverpool are looking to start their Premier League season with two consecutive wins for the first time since 2021-22, a season in which they started with an away win at a newly promoted East Anglian team (3-0 vs Norwich); they beat Ipswich 2-0 at Portman Road last weekend.
Brentford have won four of their last seven Premier League matches (D1 L2), more than in their previous 21 games combined (W3 D4 L14).
Arne Slot won his first Premier League game in charge of Liverpool on MD1 against Ipswich, with Graeme Souness in April 1991 the last Reds boss to win his opening two league games in charge. Liverpool had 50 touches in the opposition box against Ipswich, the most in a manager’s first ever game in charge in the Premier League that Opta has on record since 2008-09.
Brentford’s last away Premier League match of 2023-24 was a 2-1 win at Bournemouth – the Bees haven’t won consecutive away games since winning their final away game of 2022-23 (3-1 vs Spurs) and first away game of 2023-24 (3-0 vs Fulham).
Bryan Mbeumo could make his 100th Premier League appearance in this game, becoming the fourth Brentford player to hit that mark. Mbeumo averages a goal or assist every 108 minutes in games he plays without Ivan Toney (14 goals, 8 assists), compared to a goal involvement every 250 minutes in matches that feature him (9 goals, 13 assists).
Mohamed Salah scored and assisted in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Ipswich on MD1, the 32nd time he has done so in a game in the competition, level with Thierry Henry. Only Wayne Rooney has both scored and assisted in more games in the history of the competition (36 games).
Yoane Wissa has scored and assisted in each of his last three Premier League appearances for Brentford, the first player to achieve that for any club since Riyad Mahrez in December 2021 for Man City. No player in Premier League history has scored and assisted in four consecutive appearances.