Liverpool vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Mohamed Salah strikes to seal victory

Liverpool made it two Premier League wins from two as Arne Slot enjoyed an excellent 2-0 win in his Anfield housewarming.

A fine counter-attacking goal from Luis Diaz and typically cool finish from Mohamed Salah sunk Brentford as Slot’s side again produced a composed performance to build on last week’s success against Ipswich. The Dutch manager had stuck largely with a settled side and there were signs again of a team beginning to find their groove, the hosts building into the game and producing a string of second-half chances that, on another day, might have led to more goals.

The visitors’ hunt for a goal at Anfield continues despite plenty of bright periods in the encounter. But with Ivan Toney again left out as the striker negotiates a move to Saudi Arabia, Brentford lacked the cut and thrust required to regularly test Alisson. It left Slot able to soak up the atmosphere as the Kop serenaded the new Liverpool boss, content with another three points to keep pace with Brighton, Arsenal and Manchester City after the opening two weekends of the season.

Re-live all of the action from the Premier League clash below:

Key Points

• Liverpool make it two wins from two by beating Brentford in Arne Slot’s first game at Anfield

• FULL TIME: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford

• GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 Brentford (Mohamed Salah, 71 minutes)

• HT: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

• GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 Brentford (Luis Diaz, 13 minutes)

• KICK OFF!

Liverpool FC 2 - 0 Brentford FC

Arne Slot takes a back seat as Liverpool kick-off new Anfield reign with free-flowing win over Brentford

18:45 , Richard Jolly at Anfield

An undemonstrative man stood with his hands in his pockets. Now and again, he conveyed instructions, but in an unflashy manner. There were no animated gestures, no fist pumps, no sprints along the touchline. The fourth official was not harangued, which is presumably how he prefers it. The Arne Slot reign began at Anfield and if so far he is defined by who he is not, it is in part because Jurgen Klopp, literally and metaphorically, was such a colossal figure. But the initial impression is that there is life after Klopp.

Arne Slot takes a back seat as Liverpool kick-off new Anfield reign with victory

Arne Slot speaks to Sky Sports after a win in his first Premier League game at Anfield

18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Our defensive performance today was really good. The only two chances we conceded were out of set pieces, but we controlled their counter-attacks, we controlled the build-up.

“Ideally, you’d see the same in the first half as in the second half, but I think we positioned ourselves well. In the first half, there’s more energy in the other team than in the second half, but if you keep on insisting in what you do, and the execution becomes better, then eventually the gaps open up. In the end, you could see Brentford didn’t have the legs to defend us.

“Trent has many, many qualities, and one of them is his crosses from the side. If we only play him in midfield, he can only pass the ball - which he can do quite well. But I also want him in dangerous positions around the goal and in crossing positions. He has a lot of freedom to position himself and the rest react to it.”

FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford

18:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s 100 Premier League games at Anfield for Virgil van Dijk in a Liverpool shirt, and he’s grabbed by Sky Sports for a chat.

“We all defend together. The hard work we put in, I think you saw when they were on the counter-attack how quickly we got behind the ball. It’s a good start and something to build on.

“[Arne Slot] has a certain way of playing out from the back. We work a lot on so many things, and you see a lot of patterns with and without the ball that give a lot of confidence and structure to the team. I wouldn’t say we have to forget about the Jurgen period, but that’s the past - we had an amazing time, and it’s time to focus on the new boss hopefully being successful and not comparing.”

FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford

18:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The intensity will ratchet up for Liverpool next week with a trip to Old Trafford next on the docket, but it’s a very solid start to life under Arne Slot. You would think that encounter with Manchester United will test a different side to Slot’s management, though.

FT: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool join Arsenal, Manchester City and Brighton in making it two wins from two, too good, in the end, for Brentford as Arne Slot’s home debut goes exactly to plan. A brilliant counter-attacking goal in the first half set them on their way and Mohamed Salah made certain of victory with a composed second half finish.

Slot, as promised, eschews anything performative at full time, merely showing his appreciation for the fans and shaking a few hands. Job done.

FULL TIME: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford

18:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 90 + 4 minutes

18:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A frustrated Bryan Mbeumo fouls Alexis Mac Allister and then kicks the ball away. A soft way to get yourself booked in stoppage time.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 90 + 3 minutes

18:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford are still battling. Frank Onyeka, Kevin Schade and Fabio Carvalho all try their luck from an inside left position, though can’t beat the gathered red shirts with both Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott sticking to their task impressively.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 90 + 1 minutes

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wataru Endo will play four of them, replacing Ryan Gravenberch.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 90 minutes

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into five additional minutes.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 87 minutes

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mikkel Damsgaard looks to spring Bryan Mbeumo with a floated pass, but the spin on the ball forces Mbeumo to check, and Ibrahim Konate is back alongside him by the time the Brentford forward has fully brought it under his spell. The visitors’ hunt for a first goal at Anfield looks likely to continue.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 84 minutes

18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Slot is content enough with how the land lies to give Mohamed Salah ten minutes or so of rest. Harvey Elliott takes his place.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 83 minutes

18:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Kop serenade their manager for the first time, taking the tune from Jurgen Klopp’s end of season welcome as they chant Arne Slot’s name. The crowd coordination needs a bit of work, but the Dutchman looks to be off to a good start at Anfield.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 81 minutes

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off the woodwork! It might have been four or five if not for Nathan Collins in this second half, the centre-back getting his head to a dipping Cody Gakpo strike and sending it on to the top of the crossbar with Mark Flekken well beaten.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 79 minutes

18:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arne Slot has a quick catch-up with Trent Alexander-Arnold, sat looking (for reasons that aren’t totally clear) absolutely furious on the back row of seating on the bench. Perhaps the right-back wanted to stay out there, enjoying the freedom that Brentford had afforded him? Conor Bradley is now roaming up and down the right.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 76 minutes

18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mohamed Salah stands up a cross seemingly for Cody Gakpo, though a soaring Darwin Nunez steals in before his teammate can launch into his leap. Perhaps he should have left it - it’s too tall even for the springy South American, whose header loops into the lap of Mark Flekken.

Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, 73 minutes

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Movement on both benches in the wake of the goal. Brentford throw on Kevin Schade and Frank Onyeka; Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley are Arne Slot’s first alterations.

GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 Brentford (Mohamed Salah, 71 minutes)

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool have their second!

It’s tight on offside, but Mohamed Salah has stayed in line and the goal will count. It’s a goal of Brentford’s making, Christian Norgaard playing a nothing pass to no-one in particular and allowing those in red to swarm.

Salah is slotted in and beats an advancing Mark Flekken in the poised manner you would expect.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 68 minutes

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bryan Mbeumo goes down after a bump in the back from Andy Robertson, the forward found deftly by Mikkel Damsgaard’s reverse ball. Robertson might have been in bother if not for the raising of the offiside flag, Mbeumo half-a-yard off at the time the pass was played.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 66 minutes

17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That double switch may give Brentford extra potency but might it leave them exposed a touch on the flanks? Nathan Collins is once more forced to go into hero mode, donning his cape and bounding between Diogo Jota and the goal to block a shot surely bound for the bottom corner.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 65 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Is now the time for fresh legs for Brentford? Yes, Thomas Frank concludes, throwing on Fabio Carvalho against his former club, as well as Mikkel Damsgaard. Keane Lewis-Potter and Mathias Jensen are replaced.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 64 minutes

17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cracking save! It’s nearly a double for Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah getting beyond Kristoffer Ajer and pulling back to his teammate. Mark Flekken is at full stretch but manages to tip past the post.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 61 minutes

17:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool are beginning to move up through the gears. Pristine football sees Mohamed Salah zipping between his teammates as he exchanges pass with three of them in turn, and only a diligent Vitaly Janelt prevents him converting Alexis Mac Allister’s pass.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then strikes the woodwork directly from the corner. That’s not the first time he’s tried bending one into Mark Flekken’s exposed near post today.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 59 minutes

17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That one would have done, though! It’s superb blocking from Nathan Collins again, preventing Diogo Jota from turning home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cushioned cross.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 57 minutes

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Collins is then in action in his own box, sliding on the penalty spot to block a Mohamed Salah drive. The Liverpool forward had been flagged for a foul by one of Stuart Attwell’s assisstants seconds earlier, so it wouldn’t have counted.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 55 minutes

17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For now, though, Brentford’s likeliest route to a goal might be from these set pieces. Again they play the corner short but the eventual ball in is a good’un, and Nathan Collins forces Alisson into a save, the goalkeeper flapping two hands in front of his face as if leaping at a volleyball net.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 53 minutes

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There remains good energy to this game as we tick towards the time where both managers might start to consider the options behind them on the bench. Brentford do have Kevin Schade, good last week, held in reserve if they want to change things and go with a more attacking system.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 51 minutes

17:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A deflected Mbeumo effort earns Brentford a corner, allowing Ajer and the rest of the large men a chance to make more leisurely progress forward. With the redwoods standing tall in a thicket in the box, it’s a surprise that Brentford play the ball short, and all the more so when they produce a meek delivery that Liverpool tonk away.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 49 minutes

17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford now launch from deep, Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo finding themselves in the unlikely company of Kristoffer Ajer. The giant left-back advances like a stilt-walker, though his long strides are in vain with the front two electing to ignore his charge through the centre to instead continue their adventure up the right. Eventually, it all runs out of steam.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 47 minutes

17:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kept out! Not, perhaps, a traditional save from Mark Flekken, but a mightily vauable one. He takes a header from Andy Robertson right in the kisser, the Scottish full-back latching on to an overhead kick from Diogo Jota and almost scoring Liverpool’s second. A poleaxed Flekken is checked over by the medics but ok to continue, and Brentford clear the corner.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 46 minutes

17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nathan Collins takes a painful elbow to the nose from Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward throwing his arm back as the pair jostle for a hoist. Just a free kick, the officials conclude, with VAR Michael Oliver concurring without need for a check.

Second half!

17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And we are going again at Anfield.

HT: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s more than seven years since Liverpool last lost a Premier League game at Anfield having scored the opening goal, and Brentford remain yet to register at this ground - Arne Slot’s side are firm favourites, even if they haven’t maybe yet had the control they would have liked to.

HT: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lively enough football at Anfield, with both sides using a slick surface to work their passing patterns. Liverpool have the game’s only goal so far, striking brilliantly on the counter-attack after a Brentford corner, but the visitors have matched them stride for stride otherwise even if neither goalkeeper has yet been consistently troubled.

HALF TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Brentford

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 45 minutes

17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Attwell’s book is filling rather quickly. Mathias Jensen joins his captain in being shown yellow after leaving something on Alexis Mac Allister after the Liverpool midfielder plays a square pass.

Two minutes more to be played before the oranges.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 43 minutes

17:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lovely diagonal from Mathias Jensen, switching play out to Keane Lewis-Potter. The left midfielder jinks infield and registers Brentford’s first shot on target, though Alisson has it handled with relative comfort.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 41 minutes

17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Deflected behind! Trent Alexander-Arnold is enjoying plenty of freedom and gets forward with good time, cutting inside on to his left peg with Brentford covering his favoured right. His shot clips the rear of Nathan Collins’ head and diverts over the crossbar.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 39 minutes

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To the pocket Stuart Attwell goes again, the card this time brandished in Christian Norgaard’s direction after the Brentford captain sends Luiz Diaz sprawling out of play away from the ball. As clear as they come.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 37 minutes

17:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nasty challenge from Ryan Gravenberch on Mathias Jensen, lunging a touch and a little high as he comes in out of control. Just a booking, though an inch or two higher and the Dutchman’s day may have been brought to a premature end.

Jensen’s shin is thankfully unharmed. After a short writhe on the lush green carpet, he’s back on his feet without needing extended treatment soon enough.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 36 minutes

17:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That gets the home fans going a bit, Mohamed Salah haring after a long punt. Bryan Mbeumo has him covered for pace and power.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 34 minutes

17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford are producing some very good stuff. Keane Lewis-Potter shows some lovely footwork to keep a move going having appeared to have buried himself amongst Liverpool bodies, and Ibrahima Konate heads Mads Roerslev’s cross behind. The Anfield crowd have fallen silent.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 31 minutes

17:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A glorious chance but there’s no real connection! Bryan Mbeumo’s dead ball delivery is pinpoint and even a glancing touch from Christian Norgaard might suffice. But the midfielder can’t get much at all on it, sending it bouncing harmlessly beyond Alisson’s goal. The Dane turns quickly to the linesman to see if a flag will spare him but it’s not raised - it’s a bad miss, in the end.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 30 minutes

16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A booking for Dominik Szoboszlai, giving away possession and then clipping the heels of Yoane Wissa.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 28 minutes

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alexander-Arnold...over the top. A pleasant bend but always over the crossbar, and perhaps on a line wide of Mark Flekken’s right-hand post.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 27 minutes

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Luis Diaz foxtrots past a couple of Brentford players before running into Christian Norgaard’s stern shoulder. Free kick to Liverpool very much within range. Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold draw lots...

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 25 minutes

16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Frank clicks his pen, opening his notebook and engaging in some energetic scribbling. The Brentford manager applauds even as Yoane Wissa plays a blind ball out of play, happy with the idea if not the execution.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 23 minutes

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool aren’t all in with their pressing, picking and choosing their moments. Ethan Pinnock ambitiously tries to break the lines but can’t beat a blocking leg of Ryan Gravenberch, though Trent Alexander-Arnold can’t capitalise on possession - the right-back is deemed to have gone down a little too easily under contact by referee Stuart Attwell.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 20 minutes

16:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Simply divine football from Liverpool, Mohamed Salah lifting delightfully to Dominik Szobszlai and then getting it back via Trent Alexander-Arnold’s nifty feet. Salah’s effort on goal isn’t his best but the hosts are starting to strum.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 18 minutes

16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It hadn’t been a bad start at all from the visitors, either, and they are retaining their fluency in possession. But a turnover again sees them short of bodies at the back, and Mark Flekken is forced into a sharp stop at his near post after Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson combine.

Liverpool 1-0 Brentford, 15 minutes

16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Frank will be furious with the concession of that goal. He will rightly feel his side have a good chance at threatening at corners, but there were great expanses left open once Janelt had committed himself in the ‘D’ on the edge of the Liverpool box.

GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 Brentford (Luis Diaz, 13 minutes)

16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Liverpool show Brentford how it is done!

A dynamite counter-attack as the hosts go from coast to coast in a matter of moments! Brentford load up the box hoping to profit from a corner, but are left exposed at the back as Mohamed Salah wins a 50/50 against Vitaly Janelt. Off the rest of the forward cohort go, Diogo Jota picking the right pass, Luis Diaz the right run, and the former’s pass sends the latter through on goal.

There’s a bit to do still, but the Colombian finishes with aplomb.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford, 11 minutes

16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up the big men lumber to contest the delivery, but they are soon making their way back into the Liverpool half rather more hastily, Yoane Wissa setting off having won the race to a bouncing ball 30 yards from his own goal. Dominik Szboszlai shows an impressive turn of speed to close down Wissa’s options and prevent the situation deteriorating for the hosts.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford, 9 minutes

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool’s brightest early period of possession ends with a rare loose touch from Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian atones, putting the hard yards in to pinch the ball back. Liverpool soon earn a corner.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford, 6 minutes

16:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford press high and force Ibrahima Konate to boot long from by his corner flag, passing options having been cut off by pink shirts.

A first ramble in earnest from Yoane Wissa, finding a footpath along the left touchline and following it to full extent. His cross is ten yards in front of Bryan Mbeumo, though, and no-one else has yet navigated their way to join the Brentford front two in the box.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford, 4 minutes

16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s Mathias Jensen out on the right of the Brentford midfield, Thomas Frank perhaps recognising the threat that Liverpool’s full-backs pose and thus trying to put bodies in front of them. Liverpool will feel comfortable that their midfield can control the flow, though it’s a relatively scrappy start as both teams hurry and hustle the men in possession.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford, 2 minutes

16:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool again have Ryan Gravenberch sitting, the Dutchman patrolling the centre circle effectively to first win it and then give it. Ethan Pinnock deals well with a pursuing Diogo Jota after a ball is threaded up beyond the centre half, the Brentford defender using his bulk cleverly to squeeze Jota out.

Liverpool 0-0 Brentford, 1 minute

16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It looks, initially, like a back four for Brentford, with Lewis Keane-Potter up on the left of a midfield four. Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo form a front two.

KICK OFF!

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And we are underway at Anfield!

Liverpool vs Brentford

16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gerry and the Pacemakers send us towards kick off, the Anfield crowd giving it their all, as per.

Liverpool vs Brentford

16:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford are in their rather funky change strup today, a soft pink with purple accenting. Arne Slot follows the last of the visiting substitutes out, welcomed by an ovation and a few customised banners. He shares a chuckle with one set of fans just behind the dugout as he spies his face emblazoned on a flag of some kind.

Liverpool vs Brentford

16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, it’s time for action at Anfield. A pleasant housewarming for Arne Slot, or will Brentford be able to poop the party?

Liverpool vs Brentford

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Frank plays coy over Brentford’s system when asked by Sky Sports ahead of kick off, though a wry smile at the question would suggest that Keane Lewis-Potter may well be at wing-back.

Of his absent striker Ivan Toney, Frank says: “The status is the same as last week. Things are going on with Ivan and transfer negotiations, so the decision is the same as last week. To be honest, I’d rather focus on the game and the players playing.”

Liverpool vs Brentford

16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How a data ‘nerd’ helped Liverpool win the Premier League

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So a first home game in charge for Arne Slot today, but how did Jurgen Klopp transform the club into Premier League winners? Liverpool’s former head of data, Ian Graham, has written a book about his time at Anfield, with plenty of fascinating titbits:

How a data ‘nerd’ helped Liverpool win the Premier League

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford having scored at Anfield on their last five visits to Merseyside. You do think there may be opportunities to get at this Liverpool side today, though, with the hosts very much still adjusting to life under Arne Slot. Ipswich had a handful of early chances last week and both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa looked buzzy and bright against Crystal Palace.

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’ll see exactly how Brentford line up at kick off, but Thomas Frank used a five-at-the-back formation at Anfield last November, and has the versatility within his side today to shift into that shape if required. That might mean Keane Lewis-Potter at wing-back rather than up in the front three.

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Curtis Jones might hope to contend for a pace in that Liverpool midfield at some point this season, but is absent today with what the club describe as a “minor issue”.

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An unchanged Liverpool midfield should see Ryan Gravenberch once more operate from slightly deeper. The Dutchman showed encouraging signs in that position a week ago and could be a key figure to Liverpool’s evolution, as Karl Matchett explained:

Unexpected reinvention puts Ryan Gravenberch at the centre of Liverpool’s evolution

Liverpool vs Brentford

15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There is, as expected, no Ivan Toney in the Brentford squad as negotiations continue over a possible move away from the club.

Team news - Brentford

15:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And there’s a single switch from Thomas Frank, too - the Brentford boss throws Keane Lewis-Potter into his starting line-up. New recruit Sepp van den Berg, signed from Liverpool this week, makes the bench.

Brentford XI: Flekken; Roeslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter.

Team news - Liverpool

15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A single change for Liverpool as Ibrahima Konate comes in to the central defensive two after his half-time introduction last weekend.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Team news on the way...

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will it be two settled sides after opening weekend wins, or will either manager throw a selection curveball? The team news from Anfield is imminent...

Brentford firm on Ivan Toney transfer fee - despite no takers in Premier League

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Miguel Delaney,The Independent’s chief football writer, reported earlier this week that Brentford are holding firm on a high price for their striker, limiting the list of potential destinations.

Brentford firm on Toney transfer fee - despite no takers in Premier League

Ivan Toney’s future ‘up in the air'

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ivan Toney’s future at Brentford remains “up in the air”, according to manager Thomas Frank.

The England striker was omitted from the squad for last weekend’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace because of transfer interest and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.

Frank declined to provide an update on negotiations with one week left in the transfer window and insists Toney could be involved today.

When asked on Friday if the 28-year-old will be in action at Anfield, Frank replied: “Who knows? Let’s see on Sunday what will happen.

“Ivan trained the whole week. Trained with good attitude in every aspect. He could be involved, he could not be involved.

“He could be here after the 30th and he could not be here. Basically everything is up in the air.

“I’ve said the whole time that if he’s here I’m very happy, if he’s not here then I’m happy on his behalf.”

Thomas Frank hopeful Brentford can shock ‘frightening’ Liverpool

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Frank says Liverpool are a “frightening” prospect at Anfield as Brentford look to stage an upset in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

New Reds boss Arne Slot oversees his first home game and Frank is impressed with the start he has made since replacing Jurgen Klopp, although he notes that the Dutchman launched his reign from a position of strength.

“We’re playing a fantastic team who have a good manager. I followed his work at Feyenoord and have seen his pre-season games and of course the Ipswich game. It looks good,” Brentford boss Frank said.

“He’s tried to add layers to the fantastic job Klopp did. He’s inherited a fantastic team that went toe to toe with Arsenal and Manchester City last season. It’s that team that more or less started against Ipswich and it’s a fantastic team.

“We’ve done some stats that show that at home they are so frightening. I expected them to be an unbelievably difficult task.

“They are huge favourites but on the flip side we believe in ourselves and we know we have the capacity to go anywhere to try and win it.

“We’re excited. We got a very good result against Crystal Palace last weekend. There were some very positive signs during that performance, but there are also some areas we would like to improve on.”

Alisson reveals Liverpool contract plans amid Giorgi Mamardashvili transfer links

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker wants to prolong his Anfield career after rejecting the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia.

The 31-year-old Brazil goalkeeper has made over 260 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Roma in the summer of 2018.

A cornerstone of the success Liverpool enjoyed under previous manager Jurgen Klopp, Alisson now plans to be part of the new Arne Slot era at Anfield.

Alisson reveals Liverpool contract plans amid Mamardashvili transfer links

Liverpool vs Brentford prediction: Mo Salah to score two or more and Bryan Mbeumo continue superb form

14:25 , Becky Ashton

Brentford travel up with only one Premier League win over Liverpool, which came in January 2023 when goals from Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo added to an own goal from Ibrahima Konate to secure a 3-1 result at the Gtech Community Stadium.

They have to go back to November 1937 for a win at Anfield, and it is in fact their only win on Merseyside in 12 attempts.

Liverpool vs Brentford prediction: Salah to score two or more

‘Football not fist pumps’: Arne Slot believes his style of play will win over Liverpool fans

14:15 , Richard Jolly

Arne Slot was hired by Liverpool as a kind of continuity candidate, capable of managing Jurgen Klopp’s squad, believing in a similar style of play. Yet should Anfield witness a home win over Brentford on Sunday, there will be a very different sight after the final whistle. The celebrations will be more subdued. Or his will be, anyway.

Arne Slot believes his style of play will win over Liverpool fans

Liverpool vs Brentford

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A very good afternoon, and welcome along to The Independent’s live coverage of the final game of the Premier League weekend. It’s the dawning of a new era at Anfield as Arne Slot makes his home bow, the Dutch manager already up and running with a win after an impressive performance at Ipswich last week.

Brentford are the visitors today seeking to build on the three points they secured against Crystal Palace a week ago. Kick off is at 4.30pm BST.