LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 4: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The Premier League clash on October 25, 2025, saw Brentford secure a decisive victory over Liverpool, marking the latter’s fourth consecutive league defeat. The match highlighted Brentford’s tactical prowess, particularly through the exceptional skills of Michael Kayode, whose long throws proved instrumental in the team’s 3-2 win.
Brentford’s game strategy was evident from the outset. Kayode, known for his unique ability to launch the ball long distances, utilized this skill to break the deadlock. Positioned near an LED advertising hoarding, he executed a perfectly timed throw that set up Dango Ouattara to score the opening goal. This early lead allowed Brentford to control the match, forcing Liverpool into a defensive position.
Despite being aware of Kayode’s capabilities, Liverpool struggled to respond effectively. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, acknowledged that his team had prepared for Kayode’s aerial threats, stating, “It’s the only thing we did yesterday on the training pitch.” Yet, preparation did not translate into successful execution, and Brentford maintained their advantage throughout the game.
Kayode’s proficiency in throw-ins is a relatively recent development. His talent for launching the ball long distances was not harnessed until his teenage years after leaving Juventus’ academy for a stint with Gozzano. Since then, the long throw has become a crucial element in Brentford’s tactical arsenal, particularly given their financial constraints compared to wealthier clubs like Liverpool.
Brentford’s robust approach to set pieces, overseen by Keith Andrews, has been pivotal in their success. The club’s data-driven recruitment strategy emphasizes the importance of set plays, which have allowed them to compete effectively against more financially powerful opponents. This focus is reminiscent of Andrews’ previous success at FC Midtjylland, where he also emphasized set-piece strategies.
While Kayode’s long throws garnered significant attention, his overall performance was equally impressive. In addition to his throw-in contributions, he created six chances from open play against West Ham prior to the Liverpool match. His stellar performance against Liverpool included winning all five of his duels, making three clearances, and successfully reclaiming possession seven times.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s star player, Mohamed Salah, faced criticism for his performance. His usual precision was lacking, culminating in a missed opportunity to score early in the match. Salah’s struggles were further emphasized when he received a yellow card for a frustrated challenge and later failed to convert a promising chance from outside the penalty area. Although he did manage to score a late goal in collaboration with Dominik Szoboszlai, it was not enough to alter the outcome of the match.
The defeat raised questions about Liverpool’s current form and strategy under Slot. He expressed disappointment, reflecting on performance issues and the need for his team to find solutions against opponents who employ effective strategies against them. Slot noted, “Teams have a certain playing style against us, which is a very good strategy to play, and we haven’t found an answer yet.”
As the match concluded, Brentford’s fans celebrated their team’s resilience, especially after a late scare that nearly resulted in another Liverpool goal. The victory not only boosts Brentford’s standing in the league but also puts additional pressure on Slot and his squad, who must regroup quickly to address their current struggles.
Looking ahead, Brentford’s impressive tactical execution and ability to capitalize on set pieces may well position them as serious contenders in the league. Meanwhile, Liverpool faces critical challenges as they seek to regain their form and restore confidence among their players and supporters.
